'Hitman' news, updates: Free-to-play Christmas mission allows players to become Killer Santa

"Hitman" is getting a free Christmas mission that transforms Agent 47 into a menacing killer Santa.

Titled "Holiday Hoarders," the new holiday-themed mission features a different version of Paris that's been decked out with Christmas decorations and presents. During a fashion show, two thieves break into the event, and they would try to steal all the Christmas presents that can be found all over the area. According to reports, the player must stop them by using lethal force. Once a player discovers the presents before the thieves do, it can be opened and used to help stop the bandits. In the announcement trailer, Agent 47 can be seen wearing a Santa costume, which suggests that a player can use it as a disguise.

The Holiday Hoarders mission is scheduled to be available starting Dec. 13 as part of "Hitman's" December update. It's also important to note that the mission won't be replacing the existing Paris mission called "Showstopper." Instead, players can choose which one they would like to play. Although the DLC is being released in part to support the World Cancer Research Fund, playing it is free. However, IO is asking fans to donate whatever they can to help the charitable cause through the organization's website.

"Cancer is something which affects everyone in one way or another at some point in their lives and we at IOI wanted to do something to help raise money for Cancer research," said Hannes Seifert, Studio Head at Io-Interactive in a press statement. "We're supporting World Cancer Research Fund by giving away some fun free Holiday content to all HITMAN players and we ask you in return if you want to donate to a great cause, to give what you can via WCRF-UK.ORG/HITMAN," Seifert added.

Developed by the Danish company IO Interactive and published by Square Enix, "Hitman" is a stealth video game available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows PC.