Square Enix Montreal to bring "surprises" to Hitman franchise

The first Hitman game to be developed outside of Denmark will throw out some of the franchise's "holy cows" while retaining its "core DNA" and brining in some entirely new ideas, according to former IO Interactive staffer turned Square Enix Montreal game director Karsten Lund.

Writing on Gamasutra, Lund said the new team at Square Enix Montreal is very excited about the project, and the envy of their colleagues.

"Every time we mention we’re working on the Hitman franchise, we see a smile on our peers’ lips," he said.

"The Hitman games best represent some of the things that gaming is all about: living, immersive worlds for you to play in, and the freedom to do things your way.

"IO Interactive have been doing a very good job of putting the player front and center and have given us some of the most memorable moments in gaming; emergent stories of how players completed missions shared at the water cooler, this to me is the core DNA of a Hitman game.

"I know how hard that is to create; I was at Io for the last 11 years. Our challenge is obviously to retain that DNA, while establishing ownership in our team and of our game."

Lund said being a new team on an existing IP brings a "unique perspective".

"We can revisit some of the 'holy cows' from other Hitman games, and ask ourselves why and what in a new way, while creating a new and unique Hitman experience," he said.

"While I can’t reveal any details right now, I can promise you that there’s going to be some unexpected surprises that will change the way you experience Hitman games. Forever."

Square Enix Montreal was announced late last year; Hitman is its first project.

Thanks, SplatteredHouse.