Did you know that there are two Hitman games in the works at Square Enix? IO Interactive is working on Hitman Absolution, while another newly-opened Square Enix team in Montreal is handling an as-of-yet detailed follow-up. In the original announcement, the publisher noted that it was attempting to "expand the vision for the Hitman franchise"--but how?

Our first hint may come from this recently-filed trademark. Filed just before the holiday, Square Enix has registered Hitman: Profession.

Read more: Could it be multiplayer? »

Developer IO Interactive will focus on a new intellectual property following the release of Hitman: Absolution in 2012, studio head Niels Jorgensen has revealed.

As one of Square Enix's "core IPs," Hitman is slated to continue beyond the currently announced title. Square Enix revealed late last month that a new studio would be formed in Montreal to work on the franchise. IO Interactive is also set to work on "another Hitman project" after Absolution, separate to the Square Enix Montreal-developed title.

Read more: Jorgensen's team aiding with Square Enix Montreal's title »