When the new Hitman game was announced at last year's E3, IO Interactive planned to release the game episodically. At launch we were to get a prologue mission and contracts in Paris. Then other settings and content would come later. But after the outcry from players they decided to delay the game so that the launch version would include two extra locations. Everything seemed to be in order. Until yesterday.
First people's pre-orders were cancelled. IO Interactive said there was no need to worry as the game wasn't delayed. Sony said the reason for the Pre-order cancellations was a change of content, and now we know what changed.
IO Interactive and Square Enix have decided to change the release model once again, this time making it fully episodic. The game that launches on March 11th will now include the prologue mission and the Paris location. If you're only interested in that part of the game you'll have to pay $15.
The two other settings - Sapienza and Marrakesh - will launch in April and May. Each of these will cost $10. This also means that the settings originally planned to drop during those months - Thailand, USA and Japan - will be pushed back to later months.
You'll also be able to buy the full game and upcoming content, paying $60 (or regional equivalent) up front. This includes all of the 2016 content as it's released. Buyers of the launch content can upgrade to the "complete edition" for $50. If you're patient and interested in a physical release you can wait for the disc version releasing in the fourth quarter.