Conor McGregor dressed in a fur coat and sunglasses for the Hitman DLC.
Hitman developer IO Interactive has officially ended its partnership with mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor following a civil court ruling holding him liable for a 2018 sexual assault. The decision comes after a Dublin civil court ordered McGregor to pay €250,000 (approximately $257,000) to the woman who accused him of the assault.
The Court Ruling and IO Interactive’s Response
Last week’s civil court ruling against Conor McGregor prompted a swift response from IO Interactive. While criminal charges were not pursued by prosecutors in the original case, the civil court’s finding of liability led the game developer to sever ties with the controversial athlete. McGregor has consistently denied the allegations, characterizing the case as “full of lies.” IO Interactive stated on X (formerly Twitter), “In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately. We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications.”
Removal of DLC and Public Statements
Following the announcement, IO Interactive took immediate action to remove all traces of the collaboration. The downloadable content (DLC) featuring McGregor is no longer available for purchase, and the promotional video announcing the partnership has been removed from YouTube. The studio’s statement emphasized the seriousness with which they view the situation, making it clear that continuing the partnership was untenable.
A screenshot from the Hitman DLC featuring Conor McGregor’s character, The Disruptor.
McGregor’s History of Controversies
This incident is not the first time Conor McGregor has been embroiled in controversy. The former UFC star has a history of public incidents involving alcohol, driving under the influence, and racist remarks, predating his collaboration with IO Interactive. Past incidents include an arrest in Florida for allegedly attacking a fan who was taking his picture, an incident captured on surveillance video. While charges in that case were dropped, McGregor pleaded guilty to assault in 2019 after punching a man in a Dublin pub. He has also faced previous sexual assault charges, which were ultimately dropped.
The Disruptor DLC and Its Features
McGregor’s role in the Hitman: World of Assassination DLC cast him as “The Disruptor,” a wealthy MMA fighter tasked with confronting a tech CEO. Players, as Agent 47, were hired by the CEO’s executives to eliminate The Disruptor. Completing the mission rewarded players with themed cosmetic items, including a distinctive fur coat and cane, as well as permanent access to a two-level Arcade contract known as “The Ostentatious.” The DLC was part of IO Interactive’s ongoing strategy of introducing celebrity elusive targets into the World of Assassination universe, which evolved from Hitman 3 in 2023.
Conclusion
The decision by IO Interactive to terminate its partnership with Conor McGregor underscores the increasing importance placed on ethical considerations in the gaming industry. The studio’s swift action reflects a growing awareness of the potential reputational risks associated with collaborating with controversial figures. While the DLC featuring McGregor is no longer accessible, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue surrounding accountability and public image in the entertainment world.
