Hitman 3 launch trailer out, IO Interactive confirms that players don’t need to re-purchase older games

Danish video game developer and publisher IO Interactive has just released the launch trailer of its upcoming game Hitman 3. This new trailer comes just hours before the scheduled global launch of the game. We have already seen the opening cinematic, and the gameplay trailer a few weeks back. The two minute and 32 seconds long trailer is a mix of in-game cut-scenes, gameplay, and the opening cinematic trailer. IO Interactive also shared information regarding its “World of Assassination” which will include locations from Hitman 1 and 2. Let’s check out the launch trailer for Hitman 3 along with the pre-launch guide and pricing on Epic Games Store here.

Hitman 3 launch trailer released, details

Looking at the launch trailer for Hitman 3, we get a fair sense of what to expect from the game. This includes multiple locations, targets, security forces, a variety of weapons, and in-game characters. The game developer has already shared information on changes that one can expect from the game. This list of changes includes new locations, raytracing, a VR mode, reduced game install size, and performance on multi-core processors. We also got information regarding the different editions of the game available for pre-order.

The highlight of the latest information is likely what IO Interactive shared as part of its pre-launch guide. It noted that Hitman 3 players on PC don’t need to re-purchase Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 to access “World of Assassination”. “World of Assassination” allows players to import locations from Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 in the new game. However, to import these locations, players need to already own or purchase a copy of these two games. This feature allows players to experience older games with all the benefits of newer technologies. 

No need to re-purchase Hitman 1 and 2

However, the problem IO Interactive is facing is that Hitman 3 is only available on Epic Games Store while Hitman 1 and 2 launched on Steam. However, the difference of platforms is making things difficult for the majority of players. The availability of the game on different video game distribution platforms is making things difficult for IO Interactive. Initially, the company asked the players to re-purchase Hitman 2 on Epic Games Store.

However, now the company stated that it is working “on a solution” with its partners “at no additional cost”. IO Interactive guarantees that players won’t need to “repurchase” these games. However, this solution won’t be ready at launch. So, in the meantime, players who pre-purchase the game or buy it in the first 10 days will get free access to Hitman 1 GOTY Access Pass.

This confirmation comes just days after we noted that Epic Games Store increased the pre-order pricing for Hitman 3. Initially, the company had priced the Standard Edition of Hitman 3 at Rs 1,453. Now, the price is set at Rs 3,249, more than double the initial pricing. IO Interactive issued a statement on the official Hitman form stating that the price increase was unintentional.

The company stated that it has directed the Epic Games Store to restore the price. Anyone who has pre-ordered the Standard edition at a higher price will get the difference as a refund. But the Epic Games Store listing is still showing the increased pricing at the time of writing. So, we will have to see about the refunds.