• Posted September 10th, 2012 at 10:01 EDT by Mike Harradence
• 1 Comments

IO Interactive has hinted that shooter Hitman: Sniper Challenge may receive a standalone release at some point.

Speaking with MCV, game director Tore Blystad described the success of Sniper Challenge as ‘crazy,’ and said it’s even influenced design decisions in Absolution, notably the score aspect.

“People are playing it a lot,” he said. “I think the No.1 player in the world has clocked in hundreds of hours so far which is completely crazy, right? We’re very happy because that’s the essence of Hitman; it is made to be replayed.”

“The scores have been ridiculous. The best one has 6.5m – how on earth did they do that?

“We are always learning. We wanted Sniper Challenge to have a big spread of scores. And that is now in Absolution. You can always see how your friends are doing.”

Could Sniper Challenge work as a game in its own right? It certainly seems a possibility: “Who knows? It turned out really well. If we can find a way to make it work then I guess we will.”

Released as part of a pre-order incentive for Hitman: Absolution, Sniper Challenge sees gamers suiting up as Agent 47 as he attempts to assassinate Stallion Armaments CEO Richard Strong, Jr from a vantage point high above the city.