Hitman Finally Gets Cross-Progression: A Sign of Things to Come for Gaming?
For years, Hitman fans have faced a frustrating limitation: progress couldn’t be carried over between platforms. Whether you started your assassination career on PC and wanted to continue on PlayStation, or vice versa, you were starting largely from scratch. That changes on February 3rd, as IO Interactive rolls out cross-progression for Hitman: World of Assassination, allowing players to seamlessly switch between over 10 platforms while retaining their progress. But this isn’t just a win for Hitman players; it’s a bellwether for the future of gaming, signaling a shift towards greater player agency and interconnected experiences.
The Long Road to Universal Progress
The lack of cross-progression in Hitman 3 (and subsequently, Hitman: World of Assassination) was a notable oversight, especially considering the game’s multi-platform release. Players invested time and money, only to find their unlocks and progress locked to a single ecosystem. This isn’t unique to Hitman. For a long time, console manufacturers actively resisted cross-progression, prioritizing walled gardens and platform exclusivity. However, the tide has been turning.
The rise of multi-platform gaming, driven by the increasing popularity of PC gaming and the growing accessibility of consoles, has forced a re-evaluation. Players are no longer tied to a single platform, and they expect their investments to follow them. According to a 2023 Newzoo report, over 75% of gamers play across multiple platforms, highlighting the demand for seamless experiences.
What Will Transfer and What Won’t?
IO Interactive is being fairly comprehensive with what carries over. Expect to retain your experience, player level, challenges completed, mastery of locations, unlocked items, achievements/trophies, Freelancer mode progress, and campaign story progress. However, the game ownership itself, any DLC purchases, and unlocks tied specifically to DLC will *not* transfer. This is important to note – it’s not a “Play Anywhere” style of cross-progression where buying the game on one platform grants access everywhere. It’s about preserving your earned progress within the game you already own.
The implementation relies on linking accounts through the IOI Account system, which has also received a recent update. This centralized account approach is becoming increasingly common, offering developers a way to manage cross-progression and player data across different platforms.
Beyond Hitman: The Future of Cross-Platform Play
Hitman’s belated embrace of cross-progression is part of a larger trend. Games like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends have successfully implemented cross-progression and cross-play for years, demonstrating the viability and player demand. The success of these titles has put pressure on other developers to follow suit.
We’re likely to see more games adopting similar systems, driven by several factors:
- Cloud Gaming: Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now are blurring the lines between platforms, making cross-progression even more essential.
- Unified Gaming Accounts: The rise of centralized gaming accounts (like Steam, Epic Games Store, and now IOI Account) simplifies the process of managing progress across different games and platforms.
- Player Expectations: Gamers are increasingly expecting a seamless experience, regardless of where they choose to play.
However, challenges remain. Implementing cross-progression can be technically complex, requiring significant development resources. Concerns about cheating and platform security also need to be addressed.
The Rise of the “Gaming Account”
The IOI Account system is a microcosm of a larger trend: the emergence of the “gaming account” as a central hub for player identity and progress. This account isn’t tied to a specific platform; it’s tied to *you*. This has implications beyond just cross-progression. It opens the door to personalized recommendations, unified friend lists, and potentially even cross-game rewards and benefits.
Imagine a future where your achievements in one game unlock exclusive content in another, or where your gaming skills are recognized across multiple titles. This is the potential of the gaming account, and it’s a future that’s rapidly approaching.
FAQ
Q: Will my DLC unlocks transfer with cross-progression?
A: No, DLC ownership and unlocks tied to DLC will not transfer.
Q: What if I have save data on multiple platforms?
A: You’ll be able to designate a primary save, with access to older saves on other platforms by disabling cross-progression.
Q: Is cross-progression the same as cross-play?
A: No. Cross-progression allows you to carry your progress between platforms. Cross-play allows you to play with others on different platforms.
Q: Where can I find more information about the IOI Account?
A: Visit the official IO Interactive blog.
What are your thoughts on cross-progression? Share your experiences and predictions in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other articles on the latest gaming trends and news.
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