The Hitman video game series is a stealth action franchise developed by IO Interactive and published by Square Enix. The player takes on the role of Agent 47, a genetically enhanced assassin who carries out contracts on high-profile targets at locations around the world. The goal is to eliminate objectives while avoiding detection through disguise, stealth maneuvers, and social stealth.
The Hitman series is a collection of third-person stealth video games developed by the Danish company IO Interactive and published by Square Enix. The first game in the series was released in 2000, with subsequent main series games being released in 2002, 2006, 2016, and 2021. There have also been several spin-off games.
In the Hitman games, players take on the role of Agent 47, a genetically enhanced assassin with a distinctive bald head and barcode tattoo. Agent 47 works for the shadowy International Contract Agency (ICA) and travels to exotic locations around the world to eliminate high-profile targets.
The key gameplay aspect of Hitman involves infiltrating complex compounds, avoiding guards, and eliminating objectives while trying to avoid detection. Agent 47 has access to a variety of weapons and gadgets, but the focus is on stealth and disguise rather than action. Players can knock out guards and steal their uniforms in order to access restricted areas. Social stealth involving blending into crowds is also an important mechanic.
Each mission in a Hitman game presents the player with a sandbox-style environment and numerous ways to complete objectives. Levels are designed as intricate puzzles with interconnecting paths, with the players deciding on their approach. Completing mission challenges and assassinating targets creatively without being detected provides the greatest rewards.
The series has received critical acclaim over the years for its replayability, attention to detail, dark humor, freedom of choice during assassinations, and expansion over previous instalments. Many levels stand out as being uniquely memorable in video games. It has sold over 25 million units as of 2016.