On its official website, IO Interactive, the developer behind the Hitman series, issued what it called an “open letter to all Hitman fans”, delivering some of the earliest details of the new game in the Hitman series, which is currently in development for PS4, Xbox One and PC.

IO Interactive promises a return to the sandbox-style levels seen in the earlier Hitman games (Blood Money and Contracts are mentioned specifically), offering players a more tactical approach to situations:

 “…That means we’re packing in an extreme level of detail on the largest levels we have ever built for a Hitman game. We’ve adopted an open, non-linear level design approach to the game, ensuring the game will play out across huge, checkpoint-free, sandbox levels. Our aim is to create living, breathing and believable levels which will allow gamers to play around with the AI to create those unique moments every fan of the Hitman franchise loves.”

Contracts mode is to make a return, allowing players to create specific challenges within the game’s levels and invite other players to try and beat them. IO Interactive was also keen to stress that they have “removed 47’s magic pockets”.

Fans who may feel they have been alienated by some of the design choices in the most recent Hitman game, 2012’s Hitman: Absolution, should welcome the news. IO Interactive say they’ll be revealing more in the coming months – likely we’ll see a big E3 showing in the summer.

What do you think? Are you excited for a return to the older style of Hitman gameplay? Let us know in the comments below.