The key facts

  • Seán McLoughlin (Jacksepticeye, 31 million subscribers) plays influencer Finn Colton in a new Hitman mission from IO Interactive
  • Seán McLoughlin (Jacksepticeye, 31 million subscribers) plays influencer Finn Colton in a new Hitman mission by IO Interactive
  • He is producing an animated adaptation of Bloodborne, despite scepticism from some fans
  • Thankmas returns in December after a year-long break — fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation
  • Thankmas returns in December after a year-long break — raising funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation

A new role in Hitman and working with IO Interactive

Seán McLoughlin, better known to 31 million subscribers as Jacksepticeye, told BBC Newsbeat about his latest projects. After a role in Dispatch, the superhero game released in 2025, he appeared in a new Hitman mission from Denmark's IO Interactive — as one of the 'elusive targets' that developers periodically add to bring players back. His character is the controversial influencer Finn Colton, nicknamed Finnvictus, whose appearance and voice match McLoughlin's, but, according to the YouTuber himself, he is not based on him. 'If you like me, it'll be funny to play and kill me in various ways. And if you hate me — maybe it's even more fun,' he joked. Earlier this year he had already made a cameo appearance in the studio's game 007: First Light, but, he admits, many friends missed that episode — now, however, 'they'll have to interact with him'.

Bloodborne producer and an answer to the sceptics

Earlier this year, McLoughlin was announced as a producer of an animated film based on Bloodborne — one of the most highly acclaimed games of all time. Part of the passionate fan community reacted negatively, questioning his qualifications. In response, he pointed out that he is a huge fan of the game and mentioned his tattoo of the Hunter's Mark — one of the game's key items. He calls himself a 'vibe-checker': in his view, fans who know the game inside out will immediately sense if the atmosphere or the world feels 'off', so he tries to bring in people who have played Bloodborne and 'feel' what it is about.

Physical releases, AI and 'anti-communities'

The interview came amid several industry shifts on which McLoughlin spoke candidly. Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, earlier this month announced a 'pivot' to using AI as the core development tool, and McLoughlin, like many players, is against it: asked about a possible Jacksepticeye skin in Fortnite, he replied that the chances 'were zero before' and are now 'definitely, definitely unlikely'. Separately, he lamented the industry's shift to digital releases — the new Hitman mission launches shortly before Grand Theft Auto 6, which will not get a disc edition at launch. 'It would be a shame to see physical games disappear entirely,' he said, recalling PlayStation boxes on a shelf and games under the Christmas tree. Another topic is 'the rise of anti-communities', where people 'rush to condemn a film or a game before release': in his words, the internet has become a 'less whimsical' and 'meaner' place where nuanced discussion is hard to come by.

Thankmas returns

In December, McLoughlin will hold his annual charity marathon Thankmas, which he skipped last year. The funds will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 'I think it's a little glimmer of light amid everything else,' he said.

Jacksepticeye stands next to a microphone in a recording booth with red, ridged soundproof walls. He's holding a piece of paper in one hand, gesturing with the other, as he reads from the script.Image source, IO Interactive
Image caption,

Seán McLoughlin, aka Jacksepticeye, has been taking on more voice acting roles

Screenshot from Hitman shows Jacksepticeye's character Finnvictus addressing a camera. He's standing in front of a bright white studio background, wearing a black t-shirt with his name printed on it in bold white capital letters. He's holding his arms out at his sides, gesticulating as he makes an impassioned speech.Image source, IO Interactive
Image caption,

McLoughlin plays influencer Finnvictus in the latest Hitman mission

A hunter character from Bloodborne points a bow and arrow at an approaching foe, the weapon ready to release at any moment. The two appear to be in the middle of a city with European-style, gothic architecture, all spires and towers.Image source, PlayStation
Image caption,

Bloodborne, originally released on PlayStation 4, is considered an all-time classic

A cartoon-style still from Dispatch shows Punch Up, a character dressed in a green military shirt, burgundy trousers and matching braces, looking ready to start a fight. His fists are clenched, and he is holding a burning cigar in his mouth.Image source, AdHoc Studio
Image caption,

McLoughlin also appeared as reformed villain Punch Up in superhero adventure game Dispatch

A footer logo for BBC Newsbeat. It has the BBC logo and the word Newsbeat in white over a colorful background of violet, purple and orange shapes. At the bottom a black square reading 'Listen on Sounds' is visible.
A close up shows Callina Liang as Chun-Li, her hair tied half-up, looking sideways at an object or person of interest off-screen. The shot has a blue hue, giving it a moody, threatening feel.Artwork from Cyberpunk 2077 shows player character V — a shaven-headed male wearing a leather jacket over a graphic t-shirt. He's standing next to Johnny Silverhand, who bears the likeness of Keanu Reeves. He's got black, shoulder-length hair and wears a leather, protective vest with matching trousers. He has a silver, cybernetic left arm. The camera is tilted slightly upwards, and the background opens to reveal a panorama of futuristic flying vehicles and skyscrapers, overlaid with a bright yellow filter.Still from Resident Evil shows Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, desperately pushing against a set of double doors in a hospital hallway. His hands and face are covered in blood, which also mats his hair to his head. A small crowd of zombies can be seen through frosted panes in the doors, their hands pressed against the glass.