Despite previous announcements to the contrary, IO Interactive has contracted the original Hitman to make his return.
There are ways and means of managing press releases, but it would seem IO Interactive Community Manager Nick Price has a Puckish streak. Rather than just make an announcement, he handed a visiting fan a USB stick with strict instructions to play the file on it as soon as possible, but not upload it until 1600 GMT. Faithful to his promise, the fan did as instructed. Thus the rumor is confirmed: David Bateson, the man who has voiced Agent 47 since the beginning, is back for Hitman: Absolution.
“I’m really happy to announce to all the loyal Hitman fans that everything has fallen into place,” said Bateson, adding “I can’t wait for you all to experience the game.” Initial video clips had Agent 47 voiced by a younger actor, which irked long-time fans of the series. Fortunately things have sorted themselves out. “Looking back,” said IO Interactive Brand Director Jon Brooke, “I think we were just playing hard to get.”
Though Bateson may be the voice, William Mapother of Lost fame shall be the body, donning the mo-cap suit and adding physicality to Bateson’s performance. You’ll get to see it for yourself soon enough; Hitman: Absolution is due November 20th for PlayStation, Xbox 360 and PC.
Source: Joystiq
