IO Interactive, the award-winning developer behind the Hitman franchise, has officially announced its next major project: 007: First Light. Developed in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios, the game will reimagine the origin story of James Bond in a standalone, narrative-driven experience launching in 2026.
Revealed during the PlayStation State of Play stream today, 007: First Light is a third-person action-adventure game coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Check out the official announcement trailer down below:
A Fresh Take on Bond’s Origins
Unlike previous Bond games or films, First Light explores an entirely original story set before Bond earns his iconic 007 title. Players will step into the shoes of a 26-year-old James Bond, a rebellious yet skilled Royal Navy air crewman whose valor and sharp instincts earn him a place in MI6’s elite, newly revived 00 program.
"Players will finally experience Bond’s transformation into a world-class spy, encountering high-stakes missions, global threats, and complex choices that define his path to becoming 007." is how it is described.
Throughout the campaign, Bond will face moral dilemmas, globe-trotting assignments, and high-octane action sequences. Depending on the player's choices, Bond can rely on brute strength, stealth, clever strategy, or even charming persuasion to complete his objectives.
Familiar Faces, New Allies, and Classic Gadgets
007: First Light will feature both beloved Bond characters and original additions to the universe. Players can expect to interact with familiar names like M, Q, and Moneypenny, while also meeting new characters like:
- John Greenway, Bond’s hardened MI6 mentor
- Isola, a mysterious figure with unclear allegiances
- A fresh cast of villains designed for this origin tale
As with any Bond story, gadgets from Q Branch will play a key role in missions, allowing players to approach challenges creatively and in true 007 fashion.
Wishlist And Early Rewards
The game is available to wishlist now across all major digital storefronts. IO Interactive has also opened pre-registration for IOI accounts, offering players an exclusive in-game reward at launch and additional benefits in the future.
A New Era for Bond in Gaming
007: First Light represents a bold new chapter for Bond in video games, combining IO Interactive’s signature stealth-action design with the rich, stylish, and dangerous world of espionage. With a deep character arc, cinematic flair, and the freedom to define how Bond handles each mission, this could be the definitive 007 gaming experience.
"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,” said Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive. “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.”
What are your thoughts on the trailer? Will you be adding First Light to your watchlist for future pre-orders? Let us know if you liked it in the comments below!
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