IO Interactive Launches 007 First Light – The Long-Awaited James Bond Origin Story is Here

May 29, 2026 — After years of development and a short delay, IO Interactive’s highly anticipated 007 First Light has officially launched, marking the first major new James Bond video game in over a decade.

The single-player action-adventure game, developed and published by the studio behind the Hitman series, is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for Q3 2026.

An Origin Story for a New Era of Bond

007 First Light follows a young, resourceful, and sometimes reckless James Bond as he earns his 00 status. Players step into Bond’s shoes during his early days in MI6’s reinstated 00 program. The narrative kicks off with Bond pursuing a rogue agent (009) while navigating high-stakes espionage across the globe — from icy training grounds in Iceland to glamorous galas, dangerous black markets, and exotic locales.

The game features an original standalone story, with notable voice and motion-capture performances including Patrick Gibson as James Bond, Priyanga Burford as M, Lennie James as trainer John Greenway, and Lenny Kravitz as the enigmatic Bawma.

Gameplay: Hitman DNA Meets Bond Style

Drawing heavily from IO Interactive’s expertise in stealth, improvisation, and detailed sandbox environments, 007 First Light blends tense infiltration, cinematic set pieces, and gadget-filled action. Expect a mix of:

• Stealth and social engineering reminiscent of Hitman
• High-octane chases and combat
• Exploration and improvisation in large, reactive levels

Early reviews and hands-on impressions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it one of the strongest Bond games ever made and a potential Game of the Year contender for 2026. Critics praise its faithful yet fresh take on the spy fantasy, polished presentation, and satisfying gameplay loop.

Development Journey

First announced as Project 007 in 2020, the game entered full production after Hitman 3. It was officially titled and revealed in June 2025. Originally slated for a March 27, 2026 release, IO Interactive delayed it by two months to May 27 for additional polish.

The studio has emphasized creative freedom while working closely with Amazon MGM Studios and Eon Productions to honor the James Bond legacy.

Availability and Editions

007 First Light is available in Standard and Deluxe editions. Pre-order bonuses and the Deluxe upgrade (which includes extra content) are still being offered for a limited time post-launch. The game supports ray tracing, high frame rates, and enhanced visuals on PS5 Pro and high-end PCs.

Whether you’re a longtime 007 fan or new to the franchise, 007 First Light aims to deliver the ultimate modern Bond experience: stylish, dangerous, and endlessly replayable.