Video Game Company Square Enix has parted ways with their hit stealth series "Hitman." Despite parting ways Square Enix allowed developers IO Interactive to keep "Hitman's" intellectual property rights. The reason behind this decision, is because they believe the game "Hitman" wouldn't be the same without IO Interactive, they went on to state that they didn't mind this because they felt it was in the best interests of not only the companies involved and the franchise itself, but the fans as well.

Game Industry reportedly spoke to Square Enix CEO Yosuke Matsuda regarding the recent news.

Matsuda told game Industry that he loved "Hitman." Matsuda thought the game was unique and had a lot going for it, but they ran into some roadblocks along the way. He told Game Industry that they ran into conflicts and had a shortage in terms of resources, aside from that more problems cropped up, and Matsuda felt as if they weren't making any sufficient progress and that if they continued to work with all the problems piling up and putting a hamper on their progress, they would end up ruining the game.

Instead of risking that, Matsuda decided that they had to make a decision. He wanted IO Interactive to continue developing the "Hitman" games, but he thought it would be for the best and would benefit the majority if they ended their partnership with Square Enix and went elsewhere instead.

This prompted the decision and Square Enix and IO Interactive went their separate ways.

Matsuda went on to tell Game Industry that he was happy with the conclusion and that it would probably end up better this way because instead of remaining under Square Enix's wing, IO Interactive would finally be able to gain their own independence, and as a result, would have more free reign over the "Hitman" franchise and what they want to do with it in the future.

It seemed to end on an amicable note, and according to game news website IGN, IO Interactive was able to earn ownership of the "Hitman" franchise.