Major layoffs hit IO Interactive

Nearly half the staff let go as studio drops projects

Posted on Jun 17, 2013 - 4:36pm EST

Developer IO Interactive has announced that it cut nearly half of its current staff, as the studio refocuses on the Hitman series.

A Square Enix Europe spokesperson told GamesIndustry International that all other projects in development at IO have been canceled to begin work on another Hitman title.

The statement reads: "We are making significant changes at IO Interactive as we align our business against a changing and challenging market. The studio will focus resolutely on the future vision for the Hitman franchise and is in pre-production on a new AAA Hitman project. However we have taken the difficult decision to cancel other studio projects and initiatives at IO and reduce the workforce in this studio, which will impact almost half of the employees currently at IO, as we make internal adjustments to face the challenges of today's market."

IO Interactive's most recent release Hitman Absolution was met with generally positive reviews and sold over 3.5 million units, which was still below Square Enix expectations. Other franchises created by the studio included Kane & Lynch and Mini Ninjas.