Hitman removed from PSN Store as pre-order page is 'revised'

Square Enix's upcoming series refresh Hitman has been taken down from the European PlayStation Store but will return shortly, following "revisions" to the game's pre-order page. In 2015, the game caused controversy due to Square's unconventional release plans.

Its plan is to release the game on 11 March with three open world areas, then release another area in April, May and June. All six areas will cost the same as a regular game but players are also able to buy the initial release at a reduced price then purchase the additional maps at a later date if they wish – the total price that way being slightly more.

Those plans have not yet changed but with the pre-order page being "revised" according to this post from Sony's PlayStation support team, things may be tweaked before long. However, the US listing for the game on PSN remains, with players still able to place their orders.

Announced in June 2015, it is a return to the kind of gameplay the series is rooted in, but which developers IO Interactive tried to steer away from in 2012's Hitman Absolution. With massive open environments, multiple objectives and numerous methods of approach – fans are hoping for a return to the glory days of Hitman: Blood Money.

A beta for the game launches on 12 February on PS4 and 19 February on PC, but not on Microsoft's Xbox One. The beta will explore Agent 47's origins and include the first time the chrome-dome assassin met his handler Diana Burnwood.

The beta was announced with the trailer below.