The world of espionage has been quiet for too long. Shrouded in secrecy and whispered about in hushed tones, the return of James Bond to the world of video games has been one of the industry’s most anticipated assignments. Today, the dossier has been declassified with the unveiling of 007 First Light.
IO Interactive, the masterminds behind the critically acclaimed HITMAN franchise, in a new alliance with Amazon MGM Studios, have officially unveiled 007 First Light.
This is not just another mission; this is the beginning. A standalone, re-imagined origin story for the world’s most famous spy, launching in 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
For years, fans have debated which developer holds the perfect license to kill, and the consensus has often landed on IO Interactive. Now, that dream assignment is a reality.
The Mission Briefing
Forget the seasoned, unflappable agent you know. 007 First Light takes us back to the very beginning. Players will step into the shoes of a 26-year-old James Bond, a promising yet rebellious Royal Navy air crewman whose sharp instincts and heroism in combat have earned him a place at the table with MI6.
His recruitment propels him into a rigorous training program for the newly resurrected and once-revered elite 00 section. For the first time ever, players will experience Bond’s raw ascent from recruit to fully-fledged spy. This is Bond before the “00” carried the weight of legend—a man with everything to prove and a dangerous path ahead.
The globe-trotting adventure promises to immerse players in the exotic and perilous world of espionage we’ve come to adore from the films. You will come face-to-face with allies and enemies—and in some cases, both at once.
A License to Thrill
If anyone knows how to blend stealth, action, and sandbox-style problem-solving, it’s IO Interactive. Their years of expertise with Agent 47 are being poured directly into this project. 007 First Light is a third-person action-adventure that will fuse IO’s signature gameplay mechanics with the unique sophistication and danger of Bond’s world.
Players will have the choice to overcome obstacles and challenges as they see fit. Will you use brute force, cunning guile, or that charming wit that can disarm a situation as effectively as any Walther PPK? You’ll need to master Bond’s unique set of skills in combat and relationships, all while utilising the latest in gadgetry from Q-Branch.
“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.”
Friend or Foe?
A Bond story is only as good as its cast of characters. While on your globe-trotting assignments, you will encounter familiar faces like M, Q, and Moneypenny, brought to life within this new, original timeline.
The mission will also introduce a host of new characters central to Bond’s formative years. This includes his mentor, John Greenway, a mysterious figure known only as Isola, and an entirely new stable of villains designed to test the limits of this young operative.
Your Orders, 007
The initial reveal was made during Sony’s PlayStation State of Play showcase yesterday, giving the world its first glimpse into this new era of Bond.
The game is now available to wishlist on the Xbox Store, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and for PC on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Operatives who wish to get ahead of the curve can sign up for an IOI account now to receive an exclusive in-game item for 007 First Light at launch, with further rewards promised in the future.
The world is waiting. And after this announcement, so are we. Bond is back.
