Creating a convincing celebrity likeness in a video game often brings to mind high-tech scanning and motion capture, but IO Interactive takes a different route for its Hitman Elusive Targets. The studio has confirmed that every one of these special characters is built entirely by hand, with no scans involved at any stage. The revelation comes as the latest Elusive Target mission, The Host, launches with YouTuber JackSepticEye in the starring role.
A Hands-On Approach to Likeness
Senior level designer Marin Ansdal explained that the team treats each Elusive Target as a bespoke creation. Rather than relying on scanning technology, the process begins with a hand-drawn concept before a character artist models and textures the figure. According to Ansdal, achieving a true likeness is not simply a matter of technical precision. He noted that a strong resemblance often requires knowing when to push realism toward caricature, a balance that a skilled artist can achieve but a scan cannot.
This philosophy places the emphasis on artistic judgment over automated capture. The result is a character that may deviate slightly from photographic reality but feels more authentic to the player. Ansdal’s comments suggest that the human touch is essential for capturing the essence of a person, not just their surface appearance.
Hours of Study Before Modeling Begins
Junior concept and character artist Lovisa Österman offered a closer look at the early stages of the process. She spends hours examining videos and photographs of the talent, studying their face from every possible angle to understand its structure and unique features. This deep observation happens long before any modeling work starts.
Österman also highlighted the importance of textures in selling the likeness. She explained that even a perfectly accurate 3D mesh can fail to resemble the person without the right surface details. Freckles, spots, and other imperfections are crucial for recognition, and getting those textures right is a major part of the job. Without them, the character may look technically correct but emotionally flat.
From Selection to Screen
Once a celebrity or public figure agrees to appear, the level designer and writer step in to shape the mission. This division of labor allows the character design team to focus on the visual representation while others handle the gameplay and narrative context. The collaboration ensures that the Elusive Target fits seamlessly into the world of Hitman while retaining the distinct personality of the real person.
The launch of The Host, featuring JackSepticEye, offers players a chance to see this handcrafted approach in action. As with previous Elusive Targets, the character is not a digital copy but a carefully constructed interpretation. The studio’s commitment to bespoke craftsmanship means that each target is treated as an individual project, with artists investing significant time and effort into every detail.
Why Handcrafting Matters
In an industry increasingly reliant on scanning and performance capture, IO Interactive’s method stands out. The team believes that a purely technical approach can miss the intangible qualities that make a person recognizable. By combining hand-drawn concepts, extensive reference study, and meticulous texturing, the studio aims to create characters that feel alive and distinct. For players, this translates into Elusive Targets that are not only challenging to eliminate but also memorable as individuals.
The insight into IO Interactive’s process underscores the value of artistic skill in game development. While technology can assist, it is the human eye and hand that ultimately bring these characters to life. As Hitman World of Assassination continues to introduce new Elusive Targets, players can expect the same level of care and craftsmanship that has defined the series’ special missions.
