Hitman is back on PlayStation Store with a new pricing strategy, goes fully episodic
Hitman has returned to the (U.S.) PlayStation Store after its pulling, with Square Enix laying out a new pricing and release strategy for the game’s March 11 release.
VG24/7 reports that the Intro Pack and Paris location will be released on March 11, and will cost £11.59. Each following add-on pack (offering locations set in Italy, Morocco, Thailand, U.S. and Japan) will be released on a monthly basis and will be available to pick up for £7.99 each.
Weekly updates and live events are planned to bridge the gaps between instalments.
Players who purchase the Intro Pack and Paris location will be able to buy all additional packs in one go at a price of £36.99, should they decide they want more. Players willing to take the plunge and go all out can buy all the full game for £44.99, allowing them access to the Intro Pack, as well as all future add-ons and bonus content. Thanks to Next-Gen Gaming Blog for UK pricing.
“We decided to take the full leap and publish Hitman as a truly episodic game experience,” said Hannes Seifert, studio head of IO. “Part of that decision is for that little bit of extra time to ensure every location we release is at the quality level fitting for a Hitman game.
“But the main driving reason is that this will allow us to create a living game that will expand and evolve over time and establish a foundation for the future – this is the first game in a storyline which will continue and expand with future Hitman games.”
This release strategy makes the game entirely digital until the end of 2016, when a disc version will be released sometime in Q4. PlayStation 4 players will receive access to six exclusive contacts known as The Sarajevo Six.
The Hitman beta kicks off on February 12 on PlayStation 4 and February 19 on PC. Players who have pre-ordered the game will be guaranteed access, otherwise you’ll have to wait an extra month.
The first part of the game is due for release on March 11 on PS4, Xbox One and PC.
