Joystiq

Hitman movie rebooted with 'Fast and Furious' Paul Walker

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST

Paul Walker will play Agent 47 - replacing Timothy Olyphant - in an upcoming Hitman movie. While we all desperately try to understand who makes these casting decisions, Deadline reports the movie's title is Agent 47 and will be written by the folks behind A Good Day To Die Hard. First-time feature film director Aleksander Back will helm the project.

The Hitman movie starring Olyphant from 2007 grossed $100 million worldwide despite its imperfect execution. The new film will begin filming in Berlin and Singapore this summer after Walker wraps promotion for Fast And Furious 6.

Hitman movie rebooted with 'Fast and Furious' Paul Walker originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Hitman HD Trilogy screens are a familiar face

Mike Suszek — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST

These screens for Hitman HD Trilogy, Square Enix's hi-def collection that includes Hitman: Contracts, Hitman 2: Silent Assassin and Hitman: Blood Money, show off each game's improved look. The collection will launch January 29 in North America and February 1 in Europe on PS3 and Xbox 360 for $39.99.

Continue reading New Hitman HD Trilogy screens are a familiar face

New Hitman HD Trilogy screens are a familiar face originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sleeping Dogs DLC dresses you up in Square Enix costumes

JC Fletcher — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST

Forgive us for the least cute post you'll see today with "dress up" and "dogs" in the headline. Instead of corgis in costumes, the topic of conversation is Sleeping Dogs, which offers some crossover costume DLC today, including a vaguely unsettling bald cap.

The cap is attached to the Hitman suit in the "Square Enix Character Pack" launching today, which also includes a Deus Ex-inspired outfit and a Rico Rodriguez getup from Just Cause. It'll be available tomorrow on Xbox Live and Steam worldwide, and PSN in Europe, for two bucks or its local equivalent. North American PSN users will have to wait until November 20 to make their game look like other games.

Check out the Deus Ex outfit above; you can see a vignette with the Hitman outfit after the break.

Continue reading Sleeping Dogs DLC dresses you up in Square Enix costumes

Sleeping Dogs DLC dresses you up in Square Enix costumes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitman: Absolution video describes a 'living, breathing world'

Mike Suszek — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST

This video for Hitman: Absolution describes the game's universe and the stories contained within as a "living, breathing world." The IO Interactive game is set to launch November 20 for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

Hitman: Absolution video describes a 'living, breathing world' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Killer deal on Hitman Collection on Steam

JC Fletcher — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:30:00 EST

You can methodically, quietly, take out your aggression on some virtual targets for cheap today. The Hitman Collection, containing Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Blood Money, and Codename 47, is on sale for $6.24 today on Steam.

If you want just one Hitman, each game is on sale for $2.49. You don't even have to watch a bunch of ads!

Killer deal on Hitman Collection on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitman Absolution to see David Bateson reprise role as 47

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 07:00:00 EST

David Bateson will reprise the role of Agent 47 in Hitman Absolution, after it was revealed last year that IO Interactive dropped the long-serving voice actor. Square Enix confirmed the news yesterday, shortly after the above video of Bateson announcing his return found its way online. The video was on a USB key given to a fan by IO Interactive community manager Nick Price.

Bateson's return was a struggle, with IO Interactive initially asking him to audition for a role he'd served since 2000 and Codename 47. Then, around this time last year, the developer confirmed Bateson's absence from Absolution. This sparked a number of online petitions pleading for him to be reinstated as 47, including one that received over 3,500 signatures.

IO Interactive's brand director Jon Brooke revealed the developer brought back Bateson after a change of heart, saying that on reflection the developer was "just playing hard to get." That's certainly one way of putting it.

Bateson will finally return as the dapper, bald assassin on November 20, when Absolution releases worldwide for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Hitman Absolution to see David Bateson reprise role as 47 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steam Summer Sale, Day 4: Saints Row: The Third, Walking Dead, Indie Bundle 4 and more

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 15:55:00 EST

Survival Diary, Day Four:

I don't know how much longer I can keep hiding here. It was safe at first; quiet even, like a snow-packed forest or the very depths of the sea, but his footsteps continue to grow closer. Eventually, he's going to find me, and when he does the very core of me will be torn inside out and used to purchase games like Saints Row: The Third, The Walking Dead or any number of the other games on sale today.

I know now that my sanctuary beneath the sofa is no longer a sufficient haven in which to ensconce myself, so I must attempt to find new refuge. There's a very good chance this is my last entry, so please, if you find this, tell the pocket watch I love her.

Always,
Wallet

Steam Summer Sale, Day 4: Saints Row: The Third, Walking Dead, Indie Bundle 4 and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jul 2012 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitman HD Collection gives away its position on Italian retail site

Jessica Conditt — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:40:00 EST

A Hitman HD Collection featuring Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman 3: Contracts and Hitman: Blood Money has been listed on Italian retail site 16 Games with a launch date of October 15. The collection is up for the PS3 only so far and runs €30, or $37.

"Enter a world of crime, sin and greed," the description, as translated by Eurogamer, reads.

"Penetrate deeper into the recesses of the mind of Agent 47, the world's deadliest assassin. Remaining anonymous, being quick and totally ruthless: these are the keys to a perfect execution. Follow Agent 47 while executing orders on behalf of slum-living criminals or on behalf of the highest summits of power. Nothing is important except the target."

The series' fifth title, Hitman: Absolution, is scheduled to hit November 20. We've contacted Square Enix for clarification on any rumored HD collections for Italy, Europe, the US or otherwise.

Hitman HD Collection gives away its position on Italian retail site originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Hitman: Sniper Challenge' spotted in magazine ad; spinoff game is Absolution pre-order bonus

JC Fletcher — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:20:00 EST

A scan of a magazine ad reportedly from Game Informer reveals "Hitman: Sniper Challenge," a downloadable game featuring one "replayable sniper mission," with an emphasis on score. Those scores will likely tie into a contest, as the ad touts "Awesome Prize Packages for Top Snipers."

The game is advertised as a pre-order bonus for Hitman: Absolution at GameStop, where it will be handed out when you pre-order. It comes with a sniper rifle item for Absolution as well, the code for which will be given out when you pick up the retail game.

'Hitman: Sniper Challenge' spotted in magazine ad; spinoff game is Absolution pre-order bonus originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steam weekend sale on Square Enix catalog, Hitman special deal today

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST

The entire catalog of Square Enix titles on Steam is half off for the entire weekend, with daily deals today through Sunday on top of that already ridiculous sale. Today, the complete Hitman franchise is 75 percent off, at $6.25 for Codename 47, Blood Money and Silent Assassin.

The Square Enix Hit Collection, which includes Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, Thief: Deadly Shadows and more, is 76 percent off today, for $75 instead of the standard $314.

Steam weekend sale on Square Enix catalog, Hitman special deal today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix joins Good Old Games with Deus Ex and Hitman

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST

Square Enix has joined the ever-growing list of publishers to bring its classic titles to GOG.com. The first two Square-Enix titles to hit the service are Hitman: Codename 47 and Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition (2000 being the year in question). You can pick up either for $5.99 and $9.99 respectively.

GOG promises more Square Enix games to come. We'd expect most of those to come from Square's library of Eidos titles (Thief, anyone?), though the PC ports of Final Fantasy VII and VIII are a slim possibility. Slim.

Square Enix joins Good Old Games with Deus Ex and Hitman originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Hitman Sniper Challenge' trademarked in Europe

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:50:00 EST

Square Enix Europe continues its Hitman trademark spree with Hitman Sniper Challenge. Siliconera dug up the latest trademark, which comes a month after the site found a Hitman: Profession trademark lurking in the European database.

What is Hitman Sniper Challenge? Much like Hitman: Profession, any guess is purely speculative. What we do know is that a new Hitman game is under production (with IO supervision) at the Square Enix studio in Montreal. IO is currently finishing up Hitman: Absolution for its 2012 launch.

Square certainly has plenty of transmedia opportunities for Agent 47 that could cover angles beyond games.

'Hitman Sniper Challenge' trademarked in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Steam Sale of 2011 predicts zombie apocalypse, crime in 2012

Jessica Conditt — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST

The Steam Holiday Sale doesn't stop for anyone or anything -- not the end of a year, an era or the world -- and today, New Year's Eve 2011, is no different. The 13th day of the Steam Holiday Sale offers 75 percent off L.A. Noire, Bit.Trip Runner, the Hitman franchise, Magicka, both BioShocks, Hoard, GRID and the Counter-Strike series, and more titles at various other deduction rates.

Check out all the deals before the year ~~and our life as we know it~~ ends.

Final Steam Sale of 2011 predicts zombie apocalypse, crime in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IO splitting focus, tackling new IP after Hitman: Absolution

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:25:00 EST

IO Interactive, the studio that's steered the Hitman franchise since the beginning, will take one hand off the wheel and gulp a new IP Slurpee after Hitman: Absolution ships. Speaking to Gamasutra, studio honcho Niels Jorgensen says that the IO team will split focus, collaborating on a new Hitman with the Square Enix studio in Montreal while working on a new IP.

Jorgensen has very little to share about the new IP, but does say that it'll be somewhat in line with IO's DNA of dark humor and antiheroes. Hopefully, IO can find a happy medium between the stylish seriousness of Hitman and the sub-par vulgarity of Kane and Lynch.

Three of IO's employees will move from Copenhagen to Montreal to direct the team and assist in communications between the two studios, developing a game that's "faithful to the Hitman experience."

IO splitting focus, tackling new IP after Hitman: Absolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix Montreal opening in 2012, working on Hitman; Eidos Montreal adds 100, working on 'third AAA project'

Christopher Grant — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST

Following the strong reception of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, one report indicated Square Enix planned to expand developer Eidos Montreal by as many as 350 additional employees, while earlier reports suggested that Square would establish a new studio elsewhere in Canada in 2012. Turns out, both were half right. Square Enix announced today plans to add 250 new jobs in Canada, with 100 going to the team at Eidos Montreal, and 150 being dedicated to a new studio named, cleverly enough, Square Enix Montreal.

The 100 new employees at Eidos Montreal will be "driving work on a third AAA project at the studio" alongside the existing Deus Ex and Thief franchises, while the "first project at Square Enix Montréal will be to work on a new premium quality game in the award-winning Hitman franchise," adding a second studio to augment Copenhagen-based IO Interactive's work on the series.

The new studio will be under the guidance of general manager Lee Singleton, who's "been leading Square Enix London Studios, a UK-based team which focuses on shaping and bringing to market great games from some of the world's most talented independent development teams." Those games include Just Cause 2 and Batman: Arkham Asylum which you've probably never heard of.

Continue reading Square Enix Montreal opening in 2012, working on Hitman; Eidos Montreal adds 100, working on 'third AAA project'

Square Enix Montreal opening in 2012, working on Hitman; Eidos Montreal adds 100, working on 'third AAA project' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitman: Absolution, now with 17 minutes of commentary

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST

For those of you out there who appreciate the special, unique combination of baldness, stealth and fine mensware, take note: Square Enix and Eidos have released a seventeen minute long Hitman: Absolution walkthrough, narrated by Game Director Tore Blystad and Gameplay Director Christian Elverdam.

Hitman: Absolution, now with 17 minutes of commentary originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Potential Hitman ARG suggests new announcement is coming in time for E3

David Hinkle — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:36:00 EST

Some subtle marketing suggests we'll be hearing about a new Hitman game soon. Well, okay, we have been hearing about it -- Hitman 5 isn't exactly a secret at this point, having been mentioned on IO Interactive resumes and namedropped by a voice actor. But things are heating up yet again, indicating a full-on reveal isn't far off.

Some potential subtle marketing is the source of this latest uptick in attention, starting with an ad from Faircount Media Group in a catalog at the Sundance Film Festival depicting a box of Hitman Series brand doughnuts with a bardcode ending in "47." When a Hitman Forum user tracked down the agency responsible for the ad and emailed them, he received a response from an account saying "you are on the right track," along with a new image showing a pair of black gloves, what appears to be a game script, and another barcode ending in "47." Forum users claim some of the random numbers, when deciphered, point to E3.

Add in the vague responses from an actual IO Interactive employee on the Hitman Forum boards (Nick@IO is his user name) and it would appear we've got the makings of an ARG -- that is, unless it's all just one big, very mean conspiracy.

Potential Hitman ARG suggests new announcement is coming in time for E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitman 5 mentioned on a few IO Interactive resumes

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:40:00 EST

If you were unsatisfied by voice actor David Bateson's kind-of-but-not-really confirmation that a new installment of the Hitman franchise was in the works, perhaps you'll be won over by some additional, recently uncovered evidence. IO Interactive's Rasmus Hoejengaard, Damien Simper and Theo Engell-Nielsen all listed Hitman 5 on their LinkedIn resumes, the latter of which includes a 2011 launch window for the unannounced title.

We're not sure what stronger evidence we could find for the project's existence, aside from, like, time traveling into the future and bringing back a finished copy of the game. Can anyone get on that?

Hitman 5 mentioned on a few IO Interactive resumes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deadline: Fox finds Hitman 2 director

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 24 May 2010 20:00:00 EST

According to a Deadline report, 20th Century Fox is in talks with "Paintball" director Daniel Benmayor to helm the second Hitman film. Benmayor has worked on some killer commercials, including a few for Sony PlayStation -- you know, before The Butler did it.

Set to be written by Kane & Lynch scribe Kyle Ward, the smartly dressed assassin's second cinematic outing has yet to confirm the return of one bald, shiny star. For the sake of consistency, we hope there's an Olyphant in the room when Fox finalizes its discussions. Where else in Hollywood could you find someone to play a glib bump-off professional who regularly dives through the air while shooting a gun?

[Via Collider]

Deadline: Fox finds Hitman 2 director originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitman, UFC, American Idol added to Games on Demand

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:45:00 EST

Three new games have landed on Xbox Live Games on Demand this week. The games offer some vastly different experiences, so there should be something for everyone. For those who enjoy watching sweaty dudes pummel each other, UFC 2009: Undisputed is the game for you. If you prefer more discreet (perhaps even sneaky) violence, Hitman: Blood Money might be more up your alley. If, on the other hand, you'd rather have your singing talents mocked by a virtual Simon Cowell -- and who wouldn't -- it's Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2 all the way. Each game runs $29.99 in North America. As usual, pricing and availability will vary in other regions.

Shortcut: Add UFC 2009: Undisputed to your download queue [via Xbox.com]
Shortcut: Add Hitman: Blood Money to your download queue [via Xbox.com]
Shortcut: Add American Idol Encore 2 to your download queue [via Xbox.com]

[Via Major Nelson]

Hitman, UFC, American Idol added to Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IO Interactive hit with layoffs

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST

[Michael Heilemann]

A Square Enix representative confirmed to Joystiq this morning that Hitman franchise / Kane & Lynch 2 developer IO Interactive has let go of an undisclosed number of staff members (reports claim as many as 35 out of approximately 200). In a statement from IO general manager Niels Jorgensen, the layoffs are explained as necessary to keep the business "operating effectively as projects start up and ramp down." Considering the studio's next game isn't set for release until late August, it's not clear if this decision will impact the game's final stages of development (if at all).

Jorgensen goes on to say that he believes the "organizational changes" will help IO "continue to deliver great games," while he also regrets the loss of said personnel. "We would like to thank all employees affected for their contribution and efforts and wish them well in their future careers." We've posted the full response from Jorgensen after the break, and would like to extend our condolences to anyone who lost their job at IO.

Continue reading IO Interactive hit with layoffs

IO Interactive hit with layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitman 2 may recast lead, Kane and Lynch still coming

Justin McElroy — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST

Though it was sniped by critics, Hitman was a smash at the box office, raking in $100 million in theaters plus another $80M on DVD. Emboldened, producer Adrian Askarieh has a full slate of Eidos films in the works, projects that he recently discussed with GameDaily.

His main focus right now is a Just Cause film, which he's producing independently, so don't be surprised if it doesn't quite hit that same level of Hitman polish. Look for that to start shooting next year. Also next year, Kane and Lynch is finally set to start filming in March -- after plenty of false starts -- with Bruce Willis in the Kane role. Finally, there's the Hitman sequel, which Askarieh said may need a new lead, as star Timothy Olyphant is filming a new show for FX. Though Askarieh said he'd like to get Olyphant back, we can't imagine why when Richard Moll is right there.

Hitman 2 may recast lead, Kane and Lynch still coming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rocksteady 'not involved' in the development of Hitman 5

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST

Despite the recently discovered resume indicating that Batman: Arkham Asylum developer Rocksteady Studios may be working on a game titled Hitman5 (yes, without a space), Eidos "Life President" Ian Livingstone flat out denies the possibility. Talking to Prey's World Gaming Magazine, Livingstone said, "Hitman always has been and always will be IO Interactive's baby, which it still continues to be so."

Worried about miswording in that? He followed up with, "Rocksteady are not involved with the development of Hitman 5." All that said, we do know that some version of Hitman is on the way, as Livingstone has confirmed as such in the past and Rocksteady is currently hiring a few positions to produce a "AAA titile on the next generation platforms." It appears as though the two are unrelated though, at least for now. Meanwhile, IO Interactive is currently wrapping up development of Mini Ninjas for a September release -- and then the studio can get to work on the next Hitman game in earnest, eh?

(Please?)

[Via Blue's News]

Rocksteady 'not involved' in the development of Hitman 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Actor's resume lists Rocksteady-developed 'Hitman5'

JC Fletcher — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:28:00 EST

According to the resume of actor Mark Sloan, Rocksteady Studios - the London-based developer behind Batman: Arkham Asylum - is bringing its British sensibilities to the next Hitman game, titled, well, Hitman5. Sloan's resume indicates that he performed motion capture work for the game.

Both of Rocksteady's other games, Urban Chaos: Riot Response and Batman: Arkham Asylum, have been for publisher (and partial owner) Eidos, so it isn't much of a stretch to believe that the developer would get a crack at a major Eidos property like Hitman. Presumably, series developer IO Interactive has its hands full with the Kane & Lynch sequel and Mini Ninjas.

What's harder to believe is that the same Mark Sloan is responsible for the "Soft Mark," "Pushy Mark," "Chatty Mark," and "Menacing Mark" audio performances in the resume. Such range!

[Thanks, Garret!]

Actor's resume lists Rocksteady-developed 'Hitman5' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IESB: Writer hired on for sequel to Hitman movie

David Hinkle — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST

As fans of the exploits of one Agent 47, seeing Hitman the movie was like watching a really bad movie. But, Fox liked how much money it made (grossed near $100 million in worldwide box office sales, dontchaknow) -- IESB reports the studio has hired on writer Kyle Ward to pen a sequel, with producers Adrian Askarieh, Daniel Alter and Chuck Gordon returning.

Ward is no stranger to adapting games for film, as he recently penned Kane & Lynch, set to star Bruce Willis and begin filming later this year. Hey. Ward, do us a favor? Before you get to work, make sure you watch a decent film about a hitman first, 'kay?

IESB: Writer hired on for sequel to Hitman movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Livingstone: Kane & Lynch 2 aimed for Sept., more Hitman, Tomb Raider en route

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:00:00 EST

In Mumbai for the Golden Cursor Animation Awards, recently appointed Eidos "life president" Ian Livingstone sat down with the folks at GamingIndians and spilled a full bag of beans. Unsurprisingly, he says the Square Enix acquisition was "a great deal in many ways" and that the various Eidos development studios would remain largely independent. "It's great news for the brand and for the people," he says.

And also, apparently, great for sequels, as Livingstone confirms work on the next Hitman game, a sequel to Kane & Lynch currently targeted for a September release date and -- big shock! -- a re-imagining of Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider series. "The next Tomb Raider, I think, will surprise a lot of people and reinvigorate the franchise," Livingstone notes, stressing the relevance of game characters in mainstream media these days. Incidentally, he more than intimates that Eidos Montreal is working on Thief 4, though now we know that to be a fact -- the "worst kept secret in the industry," in fact.

Livingstone: Kane & Lynch 2 aimed for Sept., more Hitman, Tomb Raider en route originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix buyout of Eidos approved

David Hinkle — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST

The Square Enix purchase of Eidos will go through, as 85% of the Eidos shareholders voted in favor (big surprise there) of their new overlords at a recent court hearing and passed the motion of acquisition at the EGM afterward. It is estimated that Square Enix will take over operating duties some time in late April, when it's assumed all of Eidos' shares will be delisted.

We imagine Square Enix's first order of business will be to start work on Final Fantasy X3: Lara's Shadow, in which Yuna, Rikku, and Lara work together to solve a mystery surrounding a sunken ship. Also, they try to find Tidus again.

Square Enix buyout of Eidos approved originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix explains why it wants Eidos

Justin McElroy — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST

Like a middle-aged woman who spends half of Feb. 15 explaining to her mother why a new toilet brush and a night of darts is as much a Valentine's Day as she can expect from Lyle, Square Enix has gone on the record with the precise reasons it has an interest in buying struggling publisher Eidos. In addition to the dev houses included in the deal, the company has its eye on Hitman, Tomb Raider, Deus Ex and Kane & Lynch.

Meanwhile, and surprising no one, 20-percent Eidos shareholder Warner Bros.* says it's putting its support behind the deal and honestly, it's kind of hard to blame it.

*Did you know Time Warner is our parent company? Well, now you do.

Source -- Warner backs Square Enix's bid for Eidos
Source -- Square Enix Cites "Major" Eidos Franchises

Square Enix explains why it wants Eidos originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spike VGA Winners: GTAIV snags game of the year

Dustin Burg — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

Here you go, a recap of all of last night's Spike TV Video Game Award winners that is viewable (in its entirety) after the break. And if you weren't already aware thanks to this blog's title, Grand Theft Auto IV beat out all other contenders for Game of the Year honors. It's a bit controversial to say the least, but then again, it is the Spike VGAs. Right?

Gears of War 2 came away with a pair of the colorful monkey awards, one for best shooter and another for best Xbox 360 game. Fallout 3 also did well and Valve's Left 4 Dead had nothing to be ashamed of either. Clicky the linky below to view it all.

Continue reading Spike VGA Winners: GTAIV snags game of the year

Spike VGA Winners: GTAIV snags game of the year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitman Reborn! downloadable demo

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Demos

Sorry we're a bit late on this one. We've been hosting it for a while, but only now did we have a chance to put it on the front page. Hopefully, we got this Japanese demo of the Reborn! game just in time for the Labor Day weekend. Enjoy!

1. Download the demo zip file.
2. Extract the contents of the zip file.
3. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable.
4. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.
5. Copy NPJH90007 folder into the GAME directory. Make sure there are no sub-directories in this folder.

Check out our demos site:
demos.pspfanboy.com

[Image Source]

Hitman Reborn! downloadable demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video comparison shows Dead Rising taken down by Hitman

Chris Greenhough — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:15:00 EST

Filed under: Video

So yeah, we're not even touching this. Not with a twenty-foot damn pole. Some user at GameTrailers compiled this video, featuring a comparison between Dead Rising: Chop 'Til You Drop and the PlayStation 2's Hitman: Blood Money. The point? To show up the supposed lack of NPC zombies in the former, by comparing it to the achievements of a two-year-old game on a technologically inferior system.

The Dead Rising footage used is a touch selective (we've seen screens with a far greater number of zombies), but like we say: we're staying out of this. It isn't going to end well.

[Via Go Nintendo]

Video comparison shows Dead Rising taken down by Hitman originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former Hitman, Kane and Lynch creators launch Reto-Moto

Jason Dobson — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Online, Business

The founders of Hitman and Kane and Lynch developer IO Interactive have left to form Reto-Moto, a Copenhagen, Denmark-based studio "committed to redefining the online multi-player space." While the team isn't talking about its initial project, a press release announcing the company notes that Reto-Moto is in "active dialogue with strategic industry partners."

In a rather incestuous twist, it turns out that Reto-Moto was actually established in 1997, and was the former parent of IO Interactive before it was handed off to Eidos in 2004 as part of a £20 million acquisition. It looks like Thomas Wolfe was wrong; you can go home again.

Former Hitman, Kane and Lynch creators launch Reto-Moto originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tomb Raider comes to online video slot machines. Finally!

Kyle Orland — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:15:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Online

If there's one thing we here at Joystiq constantly find ourselves thinking while playing Tomb Raider games, it's "Man, if only this experience could be translated into an online video slot machine." Well someone at Belle Rock Entertainment must have had a window into our souls, because the group has just unveiled Tomb Raider: The Secret of the Sword, a new video slot for their online casinos.

The machine isn't based directly on the games, unfortunately. Instead, it promises to "faithfully capture the gripping excitement and suspense of the original movie" with "a glossy 5 reel 30 pay-line multi-faceted package." Fans of the movie will be happy to know that the "randomly triggered Super Mode" and "Global Adventure Bonus" have been faithfully captured here. The Secret of the Sword joins a similar Hitman slot machine in the annals of ~~lame cross-marketing ideas for Eidos products~~ impressive and engaging Eidos slot machine ports.

Tomb Raider comes to online video slot machines. Finally! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Download free Drillbit Taylor and Hitman goodies

Dustin Burg — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Xbox Live Marketplace

If you're like us, we need a fresh coat of new gamer picture paint ever once and a while. You know, to keep things fresh and lively. But our only requirement is that all gamer pictures we grab from the XBLM must be free. Call us old fashioned, but that's how we roll. So, we're happy to share with you that two new sets of movie themed gamer pictures (and dashboard themes) are available to U.S. Xbox Live members for free.

Right now on the XBLM, you can grab a free Hitman the movie gamer picture pack and theme as well as a free gamer picture and theme from Owen Wilson's comedy Drillbit Taylor. Like we said, all four sets of downloadable goodness are free and are (surprisingly) quite well done. Especially the Drillbit Taylor pack. You'll have to download to see, but for some reason those gamer pictures make us crack up.

Download free Drillbit Taylor and Hitman goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former Hitman devs creating 'high end' casual games

Jason Dobson — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:51:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Business, Casual

Casual games are not everyone's cup of tea, as evidenced by our controversial inclusion of PopCap puzzler Peggle among Joystiq's top ten titles of 2007. There's no denying, however, that these often bite-sized diversions are as popular as they are addictive, reason enough why many startup studios -- such as newly formed The Game Equation -- swing that way. The Denmark-based studio, established by a pair of programmers who worked on the Hitman franchise in a previous life, aims to develop for the "high end of the casual games industry" with titles that remind them of what it was like playing games when they were youngsters. That's sweet, but what exactly does that mean?

The company has pair of puzzle games available already named Deep Blue Sea and Constellations, though at first glance there certainly doesn't appear to be anything particularly evolved about either of these efforts, entertaining as they may be. What is interesting is that in creating the match-3 puzzler Deep Blue Sea, the studio brought on an honest to goodness film and theatre composer, Rasmus Hartvig, to create the game's music, though given the dev's experience with Hitman, a series known for its dramatic scores, The Game Equation's aural emphasis is not wholly unexpected. That's all well and good, and we like good music as much as anyone, but the studio will need to pull out some considerably bigger tricks before we buy into its incongruous idea of high end casual games.

Former Hitman devs creating 'high end' casual games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ebert actually kind of likes Hitman (the movie)

Justin McElroy — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Culture

We all know that Roger Ebert, despite his five-digit gamerscore and level 70 night elf rogue, doesn't think video games have, as of yet, risen to the level of "art." But that doesn't mean that he doesn't give a fair shake to video-game based movies. In fact, you could say he almost sort of liked Hitman, saying "Agent 47 has great success with this disguise in Hitman, which is a better movie than I thought it might be."

Ebert even goes so far as to give the movie, which earned $21 million in its first five days, 3 out of 4 stars, which is, admittedly, the same score he gave to Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties. (In other news: Why do we still pay attention to a man who gave three stars to Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties?)

Ebert actually kind of likes Hitman (the movie) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Critics: Hitman film more like Hit-meh

Justin McElroy — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture

Did you like that headline? Yeah, we did too. It's ironic, because if the critics weighing in on the new Hitman film are any bellwether, it's the only entertaining thing about the movie. Of the 25 reviews of the Timothy Olyphant starrer (released today) only 12% gave the movie a positive review. If you're not so much with the math, that translates to "Not good."

One of the few decent reviews comes from Daniel M. Kimmel, who says "There's enough intelligence behind it that you don't feel you're just waiting to hit the reset button," which is a video game metaphor so belabored we feel compelled to dismiss his opinion out of hand. Of the negative reviews, our favorite comes from Dustin Putnam who says "Abysmal in the extreme, Hitman is 100 minutes of soul-crushing nothingness." Wow, is it too late to pre-order tickets?

Critics: Hitman film more like Hit-meh originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameTap offering free Hitman games and retrospective in November

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:46:00 EST

Filed under: Mac, PC, Action, Adventure

Next month GameTap will offer the adventures of Agent 47 (except for Blood Money) for free on the service in sequential order. Although they say the original game is available Nov. 1, technically it's available for free now. The series' gameplay became far more forgiving as things progressed, so depending on your tolerance for repeating a level over and over again, you may want to wait until Contracts becomes available Nov. 15 for the softest experience.

Now - Hitman: Codename 47 is available for free play.
Nov. 8 - Hitman 2: Silent Assassin available for free. GameTap begins Hitman Retrospective on their Watch channel.
Nov. 15 - Hitman: Contracts available for free.
Nov. 21: Hitman movie starring Timothy Olyphant premieres in theaters.

GameTap says they have more in store on this, but that's the basics for now. We are curious to see how one of the GameTap retrospectives holds up to the GameTrailer ones we've become enamored with.

GameTap offering free Hitman games and retrospective in November originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Variety confirms Hitman getting 'hard R' rating

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture

Variety confirmed that Hitman is not being watered down and will be in theaters with a "hard R" rating Nov. 21. This is following rumors that Fox executives removed director Xavier Gens from Hitman's post-production and would be watering down the hyper-violent film to a PG-13 rating in an attempt to get the kids. An ironic move considering the studio would have been targeting kids with a movie who aren't old enough to play one of the Mature-rated (17+) Hitman games the film is based on.

Variety says both a source close to the project -- they wouldn't be Variety if they didn't have one of those -- and a Fox representative both confirmed that "director Xavier gens is still on board, and the movie will absolutely come out with an R rating." Now we wait and see if the violence is reasonable in keeping with the Hitman games (which the scenes shown in the trailer make us doubt) or if it'll all be over-the-top action insanity making us question what Hollywood has done to the "silent assassin."

Variety confirms Hitman getting 'hard R' rating originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Hitman movie watered down for PG-13

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Business

According to website Twitch, Fox Studios pulled the director of the Hitman movie off the project in post-production and will re-edit the film to receive a PG-13 rating. There is no official word yet that this is true, but the story goes director Xavier Gens was yanked off the project because the film he submitted to executives would have guaranteed an R rating. Apparently post-production of the film has now been handed over to Nicolas DeToth, the man who edited the hell out of Live Free or Die Hard to receive a PG-13 rating. Essentially they are turning a hyper-violent (mature?) movie and watering it down for the kids -- if true, there's something wrong in that, on so many levels.

Our friends over at Cinematical put it this way: "See, here's how I know Hollywood is a lunatic bin: Whomever hired Mr. Gens for this job had to know two things: 1) The director's first film -- Frontiere(s) -- is so amazingly and powerfully violent that it ~~almost~~ becomes parody. 2) The video game? You know, the one that this new Hitman movie is BASED ON? It's a pretty damn violent game. Like, really violent." Not only is it violent our Cinematical friends, but the games are all rated Mature, the video game industry's version of an R rating. Oh well, guess we'll just skip the movie in the theater and wait for the unrated version on DVD.

[Via Cinematical]

Rumor: Hitman movie watered down for PG-13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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