"Hitman Absolution" gunning nuns level changed after trailer debacle

The BDSM gun-toting nuns level of Hitman Absolution underwent some changes in the wake of backlash surrounding the game's E3 trailer, director Tore Blystad said in an interview with Eurogamer.

The trailer was based on one of the game's levels. Players would have the option to use the stealth mechanics the Hitman series is known for or "go in all-guns blazing," said Blystad, the latter of which he admits is "not the smartest way." He argued that the nun characters "fit" the Hitman universe which has been "colourful and cartoony" in the past, but that they were part of a "more extreme" segment of the game.

"We learned from the trailer that we really needed to give these characters some context and some backstory. We're working within the game – within that level – to build these characters up before you meet them. That way you know what you're getting and you aren't put off by them," Blystad said.

"We've been trying to find out, y'know, how could we not see this happening? If we knew it would get such a negative reaction we would have done it in a different way," he added.

Hitman Absolution will release on November 20th for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.