IO Interactive officially announces Hitman Absolution, following the very, very many recent indications that we should expect news on a fifth installment in their series of assassination games soon, and confirming it carries the title revealed in a recent trademark filing. A new Hitman Absolution Teaser Video accompanies the announcement, which promises more details on the Hitman Website, but that's still partying like it's 2006 with up-to-the-minute news on Hitman: Blood Money, so presumably that will get an update soon. In the meantime, word is the game is expected some time next year for Windows, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. Here's more:

HITMAN ABSOLUTION follows Agent 47™, a cold-blooded assassin, who takes on his most dangerous contract to date. Betrayed by those he once trusted — and now hunted by the police — he suddenly finds himself at the center of a dark conspiracy and must embark on a personal journey through a corrupt and twisted world.

“For the first time we are taking Agent 47 on a personal journey which allows us to explore other parts of the Hitman® fantasy,” said Tore Blystad, game director, IO Interactive. “This is both a familiar and yet significantly different experience from other Hitman games; something our silent assassins will relish, as will all those new to the Hitman world.”

Showcasing IO Interactive’s new proprietary Glacier 2™ technology, the game has been built from the ground up. Boasting a cinematic story, distinctive art direction and highly original game design, HITMAN ABSOLUTION combines much-loved classic gameplay with completely new features never seen before in the Hitman franchise.