Square Enix And 'Hitman' Developer IO Interactive Part Ways

Japanese video game publisher Square Enix has announced that it is now parting ways with IO Interactive, the studio behind the "Hitman" franchise. Square Enix plans to sell IO to interested investors, but if an agreement isn't reached, the Danish studio might be shut down. "To maximize player satisfaction as well as market potential going forward, we are focusing our resources and energies on key franchises and studios," Square Enix said in its statement. "As a result, the Company has regrettably decided to withdraw from the business of IO Interactive A/S. a wholly-owned subsidiary and a Danish corporation, as of March 31, 2017." Square Enix assumed ownership of IO Interactive when it acquired it from Eidos Interactive back in 2009.