IO Interactive, developer of the Hitman and Kane & Lynch series, has recently laid off nearly half of its employees.

According to VG247, the layoffs were part of a new move to restructure after the studio canceled all other projects in order to work on a new Hitman game. Former production director Hannes Siefert has taken over as the new studio head as a result.

A statement from a Square Enix representative goes over Siefert's new role as the studio head, and reveals IO Interactive will focus on more Hitman games, and that it is currently "in pre-production on a new AAA Hitman project."

The statement goes on to thank all of the people who were affected by the layoffs, and relates Square Enix is working to relocate the staff to projects at other studios.

Let us know what you think about this move and whether or not you'll look forward to a new Hitman game. We here at ScreenCrush wish all of the staff members affected by the layoffs well, and offer our thanks for their work.

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