IO Interactive, the developer behind the popular Hitman videogame series, has removed a promotional mission featuring MMA star Conor McGregor following recent legal developments.
The gaming studio had planned to release a limited-time “Elusive Target” mission starring a character modeled after McGregor in Hitman World of Assassination. The mission was scheduled to go live this week but has been pulled from the game’s content calendar.
The decision comes after McGregor was ordered to pay $10,000 in compensation by a Dublin court this week related to a civil suit. The gaming company has not provided specific details about why they removed the content.
Industry analysts suggest the timing of the removal indicates IO Interactive wanted to distance their product from any controversy. The mission would have featured players encountering a character bearing McGregor’s likeness in a virtual Dublin setting.
This isn’t the first time a gaming company has had to make last-minute content adjustments due to real-world events. Similar situations have occurred with other celebrity-inspired gaming content across the industry.
Neither IO Interactive nor McGregor’s representatives have commented on the mission’s removal. The game will continue to release other planned content according to its regular schedule.
The Hitman series, known for its stealth gameplay and elaborate missions, frequently features missions inspired by real-world personalities and events. The game remains one of IO Interactive’s most successful franchises.
