Square Enix to part ways with 'Hitman' game studio

Japanese video game publisher Square Enix says it will part ways with the studio behind the classic franchise Hitman. In a notice to investors filed with quarterly earnings, Square Enix says it will "withdraw from the business" of studio IO Interactive, and has started talks with potential investors. "Whilst there can be no guarantees that the negotiations will be concluded successfully, they are being explored since this is in the best interests of our shareholders, the studio and the industry as a whole," reads the note from Square Enix. The publisher says the move will lead to a loss of $43 million during the fiscal year. IO Interactive is best known for the video game series Hitman, where players assume the role of assassin Agent 47. Missions require players to assassinate a target, often wearing disguises to infiltrate locations.