Hitman: Absolution getting prequel novel

Gamers keen on delving deeper into Hitman history will have that opportunity when a new prequel novel titled Hitman: Damnation hits shelves this summer.

Announced today by publisher Del Rey, Hitman: Damnation is set between the events of 2006's Hitman: Blood Money and the upcoming Agent 47 title Hitman: Absolution.

Hitman: Damnation is being penned by Raymond Benson, a well-versed spy writer, most famous for being the fourth official James Bond novelist.

Hitman: Damnation follows iconic assassin Agent 47 and his mission to take out American political figures. According to Del Rey's description of the novel, events quickly turn south, and Agent 47 is thrust into a "web of lies, deceit, and murder."

In addition to Hitman: Absolution and Hitman: Damnation, fans of the franchise will have a new Hitman feature film to watch in 2012, if a report from last May is any indication.

Hitman: Absolution is due out for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in 2012. For more on the title, check out GameSpot's latest preview.