Why did 47 cut the back of his head

hitman-absolution

After the first mission, we see 47 cutting the skin on the back of his head, where the barcode tattoo is. I assumed he was trying to remove the tattoo (which would be an incredibly smart move, adding +100% to his non-descriptiveness), but in later missions the tattoo appears visible, if obstructed by an adhesive bandage. Why, then, did he hurt himself?

Best Answer

If you have not played the first couple missions until this happens, please do not read on. Otherwise hover over the grey box.

He has a tattoo which identifies him as number 47. Once he realizes what his organization is doing to the girl and that they are betraying their original principles. He is cutting out the tattoo to show that he is no longer part of it and gives up his old identity (the number 47). He goes rogue, might be what you would call it?

I assume that the game designers wanted to leave a visible hint about the tattoo, and where it was, since it is so iconic. He obviously did not just want to hurt himself. There is just a small part left over.

I guess we have to keep in mind that cutting out a 3cm x 5cm patch of your skin cannot be fixed by a simple patch. You would need quite an amount of stiches, and on the back of your head where the skin it not as flexible, this would be an issue. Cutting out only the major part of it would also be a compromise for reality sake.