After entertaining audiences on the silver screen and gaming audiences with a range of tie-in games, 007 is finally getting a chance to shine exclusively in game form. IO Interactive, known for its long-running Hitman series, has formally announced 007 First Light, a third-person action-adventure game centred around an original origin story for James Bond. The game is set for release in 2026 and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2.
A standalone entry in the James Bond universe, 007 First Light explores the early years of Bond’s life, focusing on a 26-year-old Royal Navy aircrew member whose actions in combat draw the attention of MI6. Recruited into the agency’s once-dormant 00 program, players will follow Bond’s transformation from a promising operative to the iconic spy he is destined to become. This version of Bond is described as both sharp and rebellious, with players allowed to navigate his path using a combination of stealth, direct action, and diplomatic charm. Missions will take players across the globe, offering a blend of narrative-driven choices and dynamic gameplay scenarios.
The game promises to blend familiar faces from the James Bond universe, including M, Q, and Moneypenny, with new characters, such as Bond’s mentor, John Greenway and an enigmatic figure known as Isola. These figures, along with a cast of new villains, are expected to play central roles in Bond’s development and the broader narrative. 007 First Light aims to combine IO Interactive’s hallmark stealth-action gameplay with the high-stakes espionage of the Bond franchise, placing the player at the centre of a formative chapter in the character’s history.
Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive, spoke about the studio’s direction for the project, drawing on their experience with the Hitman series to inform their approach:
With 25 years of experience in creating captivating action-adventure games with the HITMAN franchise, our studio has been energized with this monumental opportunity in harnessing that expertise in bringing 007 back to video games. We’re pouring our energy and passion for the franchise into creating a cinematic adventure that pushes the boundaries of what a James Bond game can be, while telling a fresh, new story. We can’t wait for players and fans to discover an experience tailor-made for them.
This will be the first James Bond game released since 2012s 007 Legends, and who knows, may just reach or surpass the coveted top critical acclaim spot which has arguably long been held by Rare’s 1997 GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64.
