János Flösser, the visionary behind Hitman: Codename 47 and co-founder of IO Interactive, celebrates his 70th birthday this year. The studio he helped build remains one of the defining forces in stealth-action gaming.

Founded on September 1, 1998, IO Interactive became one of Denmark’s first major independent game developers. Flösser and his team made an immediate impact with the release of Hitman: Codename 47 in 2000, a pioneering stealth-action game that introduced open-ended mission design, advanced AI, and multiple ways to complete objectives.

Building on that success, IO Interactive released several sequels, including the critically acclaimed Hitman 2: Silent Assassin (2002), which refined gameplay and introduced a ranking system that rewarded different playstyles. Hitman: Blood Money (2006) became a fan favorite for its expanded sandbox environments and enhanced AI. While Hitman: Absolution (2012) took a more cinematic approach, it divided fans with its more linear level design.

After regaining its independence in 2017, IO Interactive launched the World of Assassination trilogy, culminating in Hitman 3 (2021), which was widely regarded as a return to form. The studio is now working on James Bond: Project 007, while continuing to refine and support the Hitman series.

Flösser’s contributions to the gaming industry are undeniable. Under his leadership, IO Interactive laid the foundation for modern stealth gameplay and continues to inspire future generations of developers. As time flies, his legacy lives on, with Hitman remaining one of the most influential franchises in gaming history.

Sources: MobyGames, Freedom Fighters Wiki, Wikipedia