A quarter-century after Agent 47 first slipped on the suit and tie, IO Interactive is ready to talk about what’s next — and it’s more than just fiber wire and silencers.
The studio behind the legendary HITMAN series is gearing up for its first-ever IO Interactive Showcase, scheduled for June 6 at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET. Fans can catch it live on YouTube. From major franchise updates to brand-new game reveals, this isn’t just a retrospective — it’s a look ahead, and the future looks busy.
HITMAN Turns 25 — And He’s Not Retiring Yet
It’s hard to believe Agent 47 has been silently eliminating targets for 25 years now. What started as a niche stealth series in the early 2000s has grown into one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. And it looks like IO has no plans to let the barcode fade just yet.
There’s strong buzz around upcoming content for HITMAN World of Assassination, the live-service bundle that consolidated the last three games into a seamless assassination playground. IO plans to share details on new missions, modes, and likely collaborations that could take 47’s escapades in surprising directions.
The studio hasn’t revealed exact details, but based on anniversary tradition and fan chatter, we might see legacy missions reimagined, or even new elusive targets to chase.
Eyes on MindsEye: A New Kind of Thriller
MindsEye isn’t your typical IO project — and that’s what makes it so intriguing.
Built by Build A Rocket Boy and published under the new IOI Partners label, MindsEye promises a narrative-driven action-thriller that evolves month to month. IO describes it as an “ever-expanding player experience,” hinting at episodic content delivered consistently. It officially launches June 10, 2025 — just four days after the showcase.
The team plans to reveal more during the show, but here’s what we know so far:
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It’s focused heavily on storytelling, character arcs, and action sequences
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Monthly updates will add premium content crafted by the studio
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It won’t be part of a shared universe with HITMAN or 007 — it stands on its own
That last point matters. MindsEye could mark the beginning of a whole new identity for IO — one that lives outside the shadow of Agent 47’s pistol.
007 First Light: Bond Finally Has His Moment
Let’s not bury the headline here — IO is officially revealing its original James Bond game, 007 First Light, this week.
The project has been in the works for years, but fans have only had breadcrumbs to go on. Now, for the first time, the curtain is coming up. Developed entirely in-house, First Light will introduce a brand-new, standalone James Bond — not based on any previous actor or movie. It’s a fresh take.
We don’t know yet whether it will lean toward stealth, action, or espionage drama. But IO has proven they can handle sleek assassins in tuxedos before.
And for anyone wondering whether this means a shared universe with HITMAN: no, the studio has said they’re keeping things separate — though stylistically, there’s likely to be overlap in tone, pacing, and presentation.
The Lineup at a Glance
Let’s break down what we’re expecting to hear during the showcase in one clear place.
| Title | Developer | Focus | Release Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| HITMAN: WoA | IO Interactive | New content + collabs | TBA |
| MindsEye | Build A Rocket Boy | Monthly action thriller | Launches June 10, 2025 |
| 007 First Light | IO Interactive | Original Bond game reveal | Info drops June 6 |
| Other Surprises | IO Interactive | Guests, teasers, mystery | During showcase |
There’s plenty to chew on — and the table’s not even full yet. IO has teased “special guests” and “additional surprises,” which could include anything from celebrity appearances to never-before-seen tech demos.
Honestly, it’s wide open.
A New Era for IO — and a Reminder of What Made It Great
“This event celebrates our 25-years history with the HITMAN franchise and shares an in-depth look at the diverse future of our studio,” said CEO Hakan Abrak in a press release.
And that’s the real headline here. This isn’t just a celebration — it’s a shift.
For the past two decades, IO has largely been defined by one man. HITMAN made IO’s name. But now, with MindsEye and 007 First Light looming, it feels like they’re ready to expand — or maybe even reinvent.
That’s not to say they’re abandoning their roots. But the fact that they’re leading this showcase with so much variety says a lot about where they’re headed.
June 6 could be the night IO stops being “the HITMAN studio” and starts being something bigger.
