IO Interactive's take on James Bond is not a retelling of previous 007 films, nor does it resemble any of the actors who have played the British super spy over the past 60 years.

In an interview with IGN, IO CEO and co-owner Hakan Ablak explained that the "Hitman" studio was able to take on Bond because it was given complete freedom to create IO's own character while still drawing on the long history of 007.

"We only came with our own original IP [intellectual property]. We created these characters at ...... We have created them ourselves, from scratch," says Ablak. We've taken a lot of non-commercial risks. So for us, we need to feel that deep down inside. So it was very important to us that it wasn't a film adaptation."

Whereas previous Bond games have featured a digitized Pierce Brosnan or Sean Connery, IO wants to create a completely original "Bond for the gaming industry." EON, the current holder of the Bond IP, seems to agree with IO that this approach will ultimately result in a better adaptation.

"There is always excitement about a new Bond. It's amazing what they've done with this franchise over the years. Every Bond kind of defines a generation, and it's amazing how they've reinvented themselves over the years. We've been inspired by all of them and have absorbed many things to create an original Bond, an original story.

I wouldn't wish for anything more from the "Hitman" production team. After all, Agent 47 is the closest thing to James Bond in gaming today. In "Hitman 3," Andy K. felt that likeness stood out more than ever. I have no doubt that the studio is in a perfect position to add its voice to the lineup of actors and directors who have tried their hand at 007 over the years.

But equally, I am more than ready for the IO prospective trilogy to end with 007 shedding his wig to reveal a bald head stamped with a barcode.