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Io-Interactive's first change to HITMAN as an independent company comes into effect today, as they set the first location in HITMAN [Steam] free of charge. That includes Linux too, of course, as it's a simple change on how the game is packaged for purchase on Steam.

IO recently announced that they have retained the rights to the HITMAN franchise, since Square Enix seperated themselves from the developer.

See also: My review and port report for HITMAN on Linux.

Much like how Life is Strange is handled, the first part of HITMAN is set to go completely free later today. Progress made will carry through if you decide to then buy the full game. They will be removing the individual episode purchases, in favour of the free mission + the full game.

The first mission isn't the most interesting of course, but it's still a really good showcase of the gameplay with many different ways to finish it. The first location includes two missions, two Escalation Contracts, more than 40 challenges, 17 achievements and more.

Not only that, but it seems the game will also go on sale with 60% off. That's a massive saving, which I imagine they are hoping to pull in lots of quick sales to help them along on their new journey free of a publisher.

They say the changes will go live around 6pm CEST/4PM UTC.

I really like this decision, as it's a great way for people to get a proper feel for the game. It's a damn fun game too, highly recommended.

You can find the announcement about the changes here. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Action, Stealth, Steam | Apps: HITMAN
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22 comments
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niarbeht Jun 20, 2017
Sounds like an attempt to drum up some sales.

Huh. I think it's time for me to figure out where my wallet's gone...
Beamboom Jun 20, 2017
... And if I'm correct it's just a day or two away from the Steam Summer Sales where it probably will be at that price anyway, so this is good timing to get some attention before it drowns in the sea of summer sales.

I alredy got Hitman, of course. But my wallet is ready for other purchases come the big sale!


Last edited by Beamboom on 20 June 2017 at 1:55 pm UTC
Ehvis Jun 20, 2017
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Initially I thought that this was the first episode (as is the case for the mentioned Life is Strange), but it's only the two "tutorial" missions. Still a lot of fun to be had trying to figure out all the different ways to complete it.
lucifertdark Jun 20, 2017
This would have been a good way to get new players when the game was first ported to Linux.

I've already finished the main storyline of season 1 & I can't wait to see how the story plays out in Season 2 if we ever get it.

My wallet is already crying in the corner knowing the summer sale is fast approaching. ;)
Teal Jun 20, 2017
This is actually excellent. I've been curious about the game, but I wasn't sure I would get into it. I will definitely try this, and it might easily earn a purchase if it turns out worthwhile.
opera Jun 20, 2017
If you haven't tried it yet, you should definitely give it a try. It's one of the best and entertaining singleplayer games I played in a while. The sandbox-like approach gives you so many fun ways to eliminate your targets and it makes the replay value so high.
Guest Jun 20, 2017
WorMzy Jun 20, 2017
Good to see this! I watched Samsai live stream it a couple of times, but it never really gripped me. I think playing may be more fun than watching though, so I'll give it a try and pick up the rest of the missions if I enjoy it.
abelthorne Jun 20, 2017
I don't see where to download the free version on Steam, there's only the episodes bundle. Is it not live yet (it should be according to the time given in the article) or am I missing something there?
whizse Jun 20, 2017
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Looks like there were problems and it has been delayed.

There was a demo button on the store page, but it only downloaded an empty directory for me.
abelthorne Jun 20, 2017
Ok, I now see a demo button and it's downloading stuff (6 GB, will take a while). I didn't expect this free content to be treated as a demo, I thought they'd make it a similar way as Life is Strange (as someone already pointed out).

Not that it really matters as it's mainly to see how well (or bad) it runs on my PC.
Egonaut Jun 20, 2017
The Demo downloads 6.2GB for me but this is just the two first Tutorial missions, nothing more...
whizse Jun 20, 2017
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The Demo downloads 6.2GB for me but this is just the two first Tutorial missions, nothing more...

From http://steamcommunity.com/app/236870/discussions/0/2333276539613430162/

"All Steam users will be able to download The ICA Facility and the download includes absolutely everything that we’ve released for that location; two story missions (including all cut-scenes), two Escalation Contracts, more than 40 challenges, 17 achievements and trophies, plus thousands of player-created missions in Contracts Mode – all of that is now available completely free of charge."
14 Jun 20, 2017
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I'll grab the demo! I was thinking that I would not get Hitman games anymore, but maybe the demo will change my mind.
g000h Jun 20, 2017
Reminds me, I need to fire up my full copy of Hitman and see if my system is reasonable for 4K play. (I sold my GTX 1070 and bought a GTX 1080 TI.) On the 'old' card, I could happily play some stuff in 4K, but Hitman was one which gave me problems and I dropped down to FHD to play it.
natewardawg Jun 21, 2017
As an owner of this game, I think that's probably a good move :) It's a very fun game!
tumocs Jun 21, 2017
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Brilliant.
Bought the remaining stuff I didn't have yet (hokkaido+bonus missions) to support the newly released devs.
Hopefully they have GNU+Linux support in mind when making future games.
GBee Jun 21, 2017
The demo doesn't run for me, am I the only one?
Blurps Jun 21, 2017
The demo doesn't run for me, am I the only one?
it's not working for me and I bought the game.
I sent an email to Feral.
Wait and see
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