Players who join in the beta for the new Hitman game will have the chance to see how Agent 47 became the assassin he is, publisher Square Enix has revealed.

The beta, available on February 12 for PlayStation 4 and PC a week later (no mention of Xbox One, sorry), will take players back 20 years to a top-secret International Contract Agency recruitment and training facility.

In a moment of big interest for long-time fans and a good starting point for newcomers, the origin story mission will revolve around how main protagonist Agent 47 was recruited into the ICA.

It will show the first time the bald-headed one meets his handler Diana Burnwood.

Anyone who pre-orders the Hitman game will be guaranteed access to the beta.