Hitman developer IO Interactive is retaining the IP to its flagship series as it transitions into an independent studio following a management buyout from previous owner Square Enix.

The fate of mobile games Hitman Sniper and Hitman Go remains uncertain. Both titles were developed by Square Enix Montreal, using the IP now owned by IO Interactive.

Presumably the developer will receive royalties from the game's future revenues, but there is no official word yet. We have reached out for confirmation from Square Enix on the arrangement surrounding these titles.

Forge your destiny

"As of today, we have complete control over the direction for our studio and the Hitman IP – we're about to forge our own future and it’s incredibly exciting," wrote IO CEO Hakan Abrak in a statement on the developer's website.

"We are now open to opportunities with future collaborators and partners to help strengthen us as a studio and ensure that we can produce the best games possible for our community."

Square Enix had been looking for a buyer for IO following its Q4 FY17 financials, despite seeing a strong year for revenues and profits.

Around three weeks after the announcement, Square Enix announced that it would consider offering the Hitman IP as part of the deal to tempt potential buyers.