Eidos Takes a Cue From EA, Acquires Hitman Developer
IO assimilated as key IP future takes shape.
Eidos Interactive has announced that it has acquired Hitman developer IO Interactive outright, as the firm strengthens its position following a difficult 2003.
The move sees Eidos take charge of IO’s highly regarded suite of bespoke development tools, as well as securing the future of the excellent Hitman series and its plucky team of coders.
"We welcome the IO team of outstanding, technically creative developers, who we know share our vision and values," said Eidos CEO Mike McGarvey. "The relationship and experience we have already shared over the past five years gives us great confidence in their ability not only to maintain the outstanding success of Hitman, but also to develop new titles of unique IP. In addition, their market leading technology will be a key element in the Group's transition to next generation platforms."
With the next game in the Hitman series scheduled to appear on Xbox, PlayStation 2 and PC on April 30, it would seem that Eidos has plans for IO that somewhat outreach the franchise, with a new non-Hitman project believed to be on the cards.
It is also worth noting that this move will help repair Eidos’ reputation as being something of an overbearing publisher, perhaps restoring some of the goodwill it lost in the eyes of the development community.
The move sees Eidos take charge of IO’s highly regarded suite of bespoke development tools, as well as securing the future of the excellent Hitman series and its plucky team of coders.
"We welcome the IO team of outstanding, technically creative developers, who we know share our vision and values," said Eidos CEO Mike McGarvey. "The relationship and experience we have already shared over the past five years gives us great confidence in their ability not only to maintain the outstanding success of Hitman, but also to develop new titles of unique IP. In addition, their market leading technology will be a key element in the Group's transition to next generation platforms."
With the next game in the Hitman series scheduled to appear on Xbox, PlayStation 2 and PC on April 30, it would seem that Eidos has plans for IO that somewhat outreach the franchise, with a new non-Hitman project believed to be on the cards.
It is also worth noting that this move will help repair Eidos’ reputation as being something of an overbearing publisher, perhaps restoring some of the goodwill it lost in the eyes of the development community.
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Comments
sue_raas 4 Mar 2004 12:49
1/3
Well hello sir! You're the Meat King, then?
SPInGSPOnG 4 Mar 2004 15:18
2/3
Sue Raas wrote:
>Well hello sir! You're the Meat King, then?
Who is that dude, Jabba the Hit?
>Well hello sir! You're the Meat King, then?
Who is that dude, Jabba the Hit?
config 4 Mar 2004 16:41
3/3
I played Hitman 2 for a good few hours and got utterly frustrated.
After an overly long and tedious intro level, I moved to the Mafia house.
I tried the stealth approach - sneaking up behind the bad guys before quietly giving them the good news. Poinsoning bread rolls and all that good wholesome adult fun.
I got wasted by some cretinous guard who could never have known I was around.
So I tried the other approach. Kill the postie, walk in the front gate, wipe out the guards, go into the house, waste more guards. Enjoy further murderous activities. Go in to the last room, get jumped by the Don and his side-kicks, dieing moments from completing the level.
Didn't even dignify the game with another try an moved onto something else. Erm. Deuz Ex, I think.
Anyway, was Hitman 1 any good, and should I go back to Hitman2 and persevere?
Ah, balls to it. I'll just give Deux Ex 2 a play instead.
After an overly long and tedious intro level, I moved to the Mafia house.
I tried the stealth approach - sneaking up behind the bad guys before quietly giving them the good news. Poinsoning bread rolls and all that good wholesome adult fun.
I got wasted by some cretinous guard who could never have known I was around.
So I tried the other approach. Kill the postie, walk in the front gate, wipe out the guards, go into the house, waste more guards. Enjoy further murderous activities. Go in to the last room, get jumped by the Don and his side-kicks, dieing moments from completing the level.
Didn't even dignify the game with another try an moved onto something else. Erm. Deuz Ex, I think.
Anyway, was Hitman 1 any good, and should I go back to Hitman2 and persevere?
Ah, balls to it. I'll just give Deux Ex 2 a play instead.