Following the release of an incredibly teasery teaser trailer for the game, Square Enix and IO Interactive have together formally announced that the fifth entry to the Hitman series of stealth action games is in development.

Titled Hitman Absolution, the game will become available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC next year.

Based on IO Interactive’s very own Glacier 2 technology, Hitman Absolution is said to have been built from the ground up to bring this classic franchise back to life, and features “a cinematic story, distinctive art direction and highly original game design.”

Game director at IO Interactive Tore Blystad enthused:

“For the first time we are taking Agent 47 on a personal journey which allows us to explore other parts of the Hitman fantasy. This is both a familiar and yet significantly different experience to any of the other Hitman games, something our silent assassins will relish as well as those who are new to the Hitman world.”

Here’s a story blurb for Hitman Absolution:

“Hitman Absolution follows Agent 47, a cold blooded assassin, who takes on his most dangerous contract to date. Betrayed by those he trusted and hunted by the police, he finds himself at the centre of a dark conspiracy and must embark on a personal journey through a corrupt and twisted world, in his search for the truth.”

Expect more details on Hitman Absolution at this year’s E3 in early June!