IO Interactive Unveils 007 First Light, an Action-Adventure Game Following a Young James Bond

A new James Bond game is barreling toward us, and it’s not the suave, martini-sipping spy you’re picturing. IO Interactive, the folks who made Hitman a stealthy masterpiece, just unveiled 007 First Light, a third-person action-adventure set to drop in 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Forget rehashing old Bond flicks or chasing GoldenEye 007 nostalgia—this is a gritty origin story about a 26-year-old James Bond, rough around the edges and miles from his polished 00 badge.

IO’s going all-in, building a Bond universe from the ground up, free from any movie star’s face or film plot. “What’s exciting about that project is that we actually got to do an original story,” IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak told GameSpot, dropping hints of a trilogy in the works. This isn’t a standalone gig—it’s the launchpad for a new saga where you mold Bond’s rise to 00 status. Powered by IO’s Glacier Engine, the game weaves stealth, action, and espionage into a visually stunning package that feels as sharp as a freshly tailored suit.

This Bond’s a 26-year-old Royal Navy recruit turned MI6 rookie—smart but brash, diving headfirst into a world of lies and danger. The State of Play trailer gives us a raw, less-charming Bond, with some fans guessing his look channels Patrick Gibson from Dexter: Original Sin. You’ll steer him through global missions, from icy peaks to sun-soaked shores, blending fierce combat, sneaky infiltrations, and pedal-to-the-metal car chases. IO’s big on player choice: storm in with guns out or ghost through using Bond’s wits and Q Branch toys to outfox foes.



New characters spice things up, like Greenway, Bond’s MI6 mentor who’s got his hands full trying to curb the kid’s wild side. “You will also discover new ones, including Greenway, Bond’s mentor in this story, who will teach him the modus operandi advocated for MI6 agents (or at least try to!),” IO Interactive dished in a PlayStation Blog post. The story digs deep, probing Bond’s bonds and choices as he squares off against a shadowy rogue agent, 009. This isn’t just shoot-’em-up—it’s about forging a legend.


Tech-wise, 007 First Light is a beast, built for next-gen with a PS5 Pro boost, leveraging PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution for buttery 60fps in Quality Mode. IO’s Hitman DNA shows in tight mechanics—better cover, brainier AI, and a world that shifts with your moves. Whether you’re outsmarting goons in a nail-biting spy op or tearing through exotic spots, it feels like you’re directing a blockbuster.


Want in early? Sign up for an IOI account, and you’ll score two launch goodies: a shiny “Gilded Wrath” pistol skin and a sleek “On Duty” turtleneck. More perks are coming, with a big gameplay reveal set for Summer Game Fest 2025. “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,” Abrak said, hyping a title that could shake up the spy game scene.


007 First Light isn’t just a game—it’s your shot to slip into Bond’s boots before he’s 007, crafting his legacy in a web of intrigue. With IO’s track record and a bold new spin on an icon, this 2026 mission’s looking unmissable.