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007 First Light
007 First Light
007 First Light
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007 First Light
DeveloperIO Interactive
PublisherIO Interactive
DirectorHakan Abrak
ArtistRasmus Poulsen
Writers
  • Martin Emborg
  • Michael Vogt
ComposerThe Flight
SeriesJames Bond
EngineGlacier
Platforms
ReleaseMarch 27, 2026
GenreAction-adventure
ModeSingle-player

007 First Light is an upcoming action-adventure video game developed and published by IO Interactive. Based on the James Bond franchise, it will tell an original narrative inspired by the novels and short stories by Ian Fleming, and the film series starring the character. The game will depict James Bond's origin story, as he embarks on the mission he must complete to earn his licence to kill.

Following the release of 007 Legends (2012), publisher Activision had its non-exclusive licence to produce James Bond video games revoked, resulting in an extended hiatus for video games adapting the franchise. IO Interactive announced the development of a new James Bond game in November 2020. The game entered full production at IOI following the completion of Hitman 3 (2021), and was fully revealed in June 2025.

007 First Light is scheduled to be released for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows and Xbox Series X/S on March 27, 2026.[1]

Premise

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Setting and characters

[edit]

007 First Light will depict an original narrative that draws inspiration from the novels and short stories by Ian Fleming and the long-running film franchise featuring the character.[2] Described as an origin story for the character,[3] the game will follow a young James Bond (Patrick Gibson),[1] who will be portrayed as a 26-year-old,[4] an inexperienced MI6 agent, who is tasked with a mission that, when completed successfully, will grant him his 00 status.[5][6][7] IOI confirmed we won't be seeing some of the more troublesome traits of the character that have previously dogged the various incarnations, primarily his attitude towards women.[8]

The story will also feature new iterations of well-known Bond characters such as M (Priyanga Burford), Q (Alastair Mackenzie), and Miss Moneypenny (Kiera Lester), reimagined to reflect their roles in shaping Bond’s early career. The game will also feature original characters, such as Bond's MI6 mentor John Greenway (Lennie James), DGSE agent Miss Roth (Noémie Nakai),[1][4] and Selina Tan (Gemma Chan).[9]

Development

[edit]

007 First Light is the first major game featuring James Bond following a long hiatus resulting from the critical and commercial failure of 007 Legends (2012), which saw publisher Activision having its non-exclusive license to produce video games using the James Bond IP revoked by Eon Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in January 2013.[10][11]

Hitman series developer IO Interactive met with Eon Productions to pitch their own vision for a James Bond video game as they were developing Hitman 3 (2021). According to company president Hakan Abrak, the studio was under the impression that "[Eon] were not looking for a game," having grown dissatisfied with the action-oriented style and gameplay of the latest console Bond games under Activision.[12] Chief creative officer Christian Elverdam stated that a move away from relying on weapons to complete missions was an integral part of the studio's pitch to Eon, citing their work on Hitman as a game where violent solutions were actively discouraged, as an example of how Eon were convinced by IO Interactive that there was a "sophistication" in how the developers approached espionage gameplay.[13]

The developer also emphasized their interest in pursuing an original interpretation of James Bond divorced from any of the prior literary and cinematic incarnations of the character, as they wished to apply a similar effort to creating their own narrative for an existing IP as they did for any of their original projects and characters.[14] This includes the likeness of James Bond himself, which will not be derived from any of the actors to portray him on film, a first for the character in a playable capacity since James Bond 007: Agent Under Fire (2001).[15]

Elverdam was also excited at the prospect of having a version of James Bond produced from the ground up for gaming, remarking on how it removed expectations that their version of the character would have to adhere to characteristics of pre-existing iterations while also being a take on the property "gamers can call their own." He additionally recalled a trip the development team made to Pinewood Studios during production of the film No Time to Die (2021), which instilled the "gravity" of taking on the Bond license.[16] According to Abrak, the idea of depicting James Bond's origin and efforts to claim his licence to kill, an event only definitively and briefly portrayed in the opening of the Daniel Craig film Casino Royale (2006), was enthusiastically received between IO Interactive and Eon, who were both receptive to the idea of a narrative that is "completely beginning and becoming a story" as opposed to directly adapting the plot of an existing Bond film.[17]

Release

[edit]

IO Interactive held a livestream on November 19, 2020 to announce their next game following the then-upcoming Hitman 3 (2021),[18] which concluded with the reveal of Project 007, a new James Bond video game with an original story developed and published by IOI, in collaboration with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Eon Productions.[19] The announcement coincided with the official start of development at IOI's Denmark and Sweden studios.[20] The game is being developed on the Glacier Engine for "modern systems and platforms".[21] In February 2025, Amazon MGM Studios took over supervisory duties on the title after acquiring full creative and production rights to the James Bond IP from Eon and former film franchise producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, making it the first Bond game to be released since Eon's departure from the series.[22][23] The game was confirmed to be launching on Nintendo Switch 2 during the April 2025 installment of Nintendo Direct.[24]

The game was formally unveiled as 007 First Light on June 2, 2025, with the game's first trailer premiering at Sony Interactive Entertainment's State of Play presentation on June 4, and the title later appearing during the publisher's IOI Showcase digital presentation on June 6.[25][26] SIE hosted a dedicated State of Play presentation on September 3, 2025 that unveiled gameplay and narrative details,[27][28] as well as the cast.[1] On September 24, it was announced at Tokyo Game Show that Gemma Chan will play as Dr. Selina Tan, an original character created by IOI.[29]

007 First Light is set to be released for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows and Xbox Series X/S on March 27, 2026.[1][30]

Future

[edit]

IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak expressed in an interview with IGN that he wished for 007 First Light to lead into a potential trilogy of James Bond video games for the publisher, citing the decision to create a new, younger version of the character for gaming audiences to "call their own and grow with".[31] Abrak previously stated his desire to progress the James Bond narrative through "multiple" games in a similar fashion to IO's Hitman: World of Assassination trilogy (2016–2021), stating that such an ambition motivated them to pursue a licensing deal after previously rejecting offers for other video games using external properties.[32]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

007 First Light

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
007 First Light is an upcoming developed and published by , featuring an original origin story for the where players control a young, resourceful recruit named . The game emphasizes narrative-driven missions that blend , combat, and elements inspired by classic , set in a thrilling espionage world. Announced via an official trailer on June 4, 2025, it is scheduled for release on May 27, 2026, following a delay from an initial March 2026 target. The title marks 's first foray into the James Bond license after securing it from , building on the studio's expertise in from the . It will be available on , , Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the , with pre-orders currently open. Recent updates include revealed PC system requirements, recommending high-end hardware such as 32GB of RAM and a graphics card with 12GB of for at (noting that the listed minimum CPU, Intel Core i5-9500K, does not exist, and the recommended graphics card, NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti, actually has 8GB VRAM). A collaboration with NVIDIA highlights optimized support for and DLSS technologies to enhance visual fidelity.

Overview

Gameplay

007 First Light is a that emphasizes a blend of and , allowing players to control a young in immersive missions. The core experience revolves around player choice, enabling approaches that range from covert infiltration to direct confrontations, all while incorporating classic Bond elements like and environmental interactions. draw inspiration from 's , focusing on observation, blending into surroundings, and non-lethal tactics such as , , and bluffing to . Combat integrates fluid transitions between precision ranged shooting, visceral melee encounters, and an escalation system where Bond's "License to Kill" activates upon enemy lethal force, unlocking expert marksmanship with . from enhance both stealth and combat, including tools for hacking locks, creating distractions, , and specialized items like a phone that shoots , which players unlock progressively to expand tactical options. Missions are structured around infiltration scenarios, such as undercover operations at exclusive events, combined with combat encounters like high-speed chases and shootouts, and involving environmental inspection for clues and using to open new pathways. Players benefit from that promote of opportunities, allowing when plans deviate. Customization options include expanding 's loadout with unlocked weapons, tools, and gadgets, alongside cosmetic elements like exclusive weapon skins and outfits available in . No or elements have been announced for the game.

Plot and setting

007 First Light serves as an origin story for , depicting his early career as a young, resourceful, and sometimes reckless recruit in 's training program, where he undertakes missions that shape him into the iconic spy. The narrative follows Bond as he pursues a rogue agent who remains one step ahead, embarking on a thrilling adventure that tests his skills through high-stakes infiltrations and confrontations. This premise explores the events leading to Bond earning his , focusing on his transformation from a novice agent to a seasoned operative within the intelligence world. The game's settings span various global locales that evoke classic espionage, including real-world hubs in such as the Grand Carpathian Hotel in during a high-profile chess tournament amid the scenic , and a corporate gala at a renowned museum in , surrounded by tech elites and fine art. Additional environments extend to more perilous, fictionalized regions like Aleph in , portrayed as one of the world's most dangerous kingdoms ruled by a pirate overlord, where Bond navigates treacherous terrains and high-risk infiltrations. These locations blend romantic landscapes, urban sophistication, and exotic dangers to underscore the globe-trotting nature of Bond's early assignments. Core themes in the story revolve around loyalty, as seen in Bond's alliances with trusted associates who provide crucial support during missions, betrayal through encounters with elusive and multiple who exploit deceptions in the , and moral ambiguity arising from ethically complex situations in hazardous settings that challenge Bond's developing sense of duty. The narrative introduces unique supporting characters and antagonists tailored to this prequel, including Dr. Selina Tan, a charming and quirky ally portrayed by who aids in his operations, and Bawma, a larger-than-life pirate king ruling Aleph and voiced by Lenny Kravitz, serving as a key villain in a dramatic confrontation that highlights the perils of Bond's nascent career. Other figures such as , , , Greenway, and Miss Roth appear in roles that ground the story in MI6's hierarchical structure, emphasizing interpersonal dynamics central to .

Development

Announcement

officially announced 007 First Light on June 4, 2025, during Sony's PlayStation State of Play, marking the studio's first major reveal for a title under its development. The presentation highlighted the game's status as a experience serving as an origin story for a young James Bond, setting it apart from previous that were typically tied to specific films rather than standalone narratives. The announcement emphasized IO Interactive's partnership with , the longtime stewards of the , granting the studio the licensing rights to create original content within the iconic universe. This collaboration was positioned as a significant step, allowing to blend its expertise from the with classic Bond elements like , , and . Following the reveal, media outlets provided extensive coverage, praising the fresh take on Bond's beginnings and the potential for innovative gameplay mechanics. Fan speculation surged online, with discussions centering on how the origin story might explore Bond's early career, possible casting for the character, and comparisons to past Bond adaptations in gaming.

Production details

, the Danish studio renowned for the , serves as both the developer and publisher of 007 First Light, marking their first project under the official obtained from , in collaboration with and . The game leverages an upgraded version of IO Interactive's proprietary , known as Glacier 2, which was originally developed for the and adapted to support larger-scale levels, enhanced player agency, and diverse mission approaches inspired by Bond's cinematic escapades. Key personnel driving the production include CEO Hakan Abrak, who spearheaded early vision and recruitment efforts; Chief Technical Officer Ulas Karademir, who rejoined the studio in after contributing to the original to oversee technical advancements; and Creative Director Christian Elverdam, a co-owner who pitched the origin story concept to and shaped the narrative focus on a young . These leaders drew on 's expertise in and from to infuse Bond's world with authentic elements, collaborating closely with EON and former executive Robert Marick for fidelity to the franchise. Development began in earnest following the completion of in January 2021, with the project initially announced as Project 007 in November 2020 and entering full production thereafter, progressing through internal milestones to a major reveal at in June 2025. As of January 2026, the game remains in active development, targeting a May 2026 release following a delay from the initial March 2026 target, with no further reported delays, though the studio has been hiring specialists, such as a multiplayer programmer, to expand features. This timeline reflects 's shift from independent projects to a licensed IP, allowing them to build on years of preparation in agent simulation mechanics. Technical challenges during production centered on adapting Bond's iconic world to , particularly integrating , death traps, and versatile tools that enable multiple playstyles like , social engineering, and gadget-assisted combat, all while expanding the framework to evoke the full spectrum of a experience. The Glacier 2 engine's facilitated these adaptations by supporting complex set pieces and character interactions, but required innovations to balance cinematic spectacle with , moving away from traditional toward a that emphasizes planning and .

Release and technical specifications

Platforms and release dates

007 First Light is scheduled for release on May 27, 2026, following a two-month delay from its original March 2026 window to allow for additional polish. The game will launch simultaneously across multiple platforms without noted regional variations. The title has been confirmed for , , PC, and . It will be available digitally through major storefronts including the , , Steam, and the . Physical editions are also planned, as indicated by with delivery timelines on the . No or have been announced.

System requirements

revealed the system requirements for 007 First Light in January 2026, emphasizing hardware capable of handling the game's mechanics at . However, the published specifications contained errors, including a reference to the non-existent Intel Core i5-9500K processor and incorrect VRAM amounts for the listed graphics cards. These inaccuracies were quickly highlighted by the online community, including through a Community Note on the official announcement post on X, and the specifications remained unchanged for over a day following the reveal on January 6, 2026. The minimum specifications target performance at 30 FPS, requiring an Intel Core i5-9500K or AMD Ryzen 5 3500 processor (note: the Intel Core i5-9500K does not exist), 16 GB of , and a such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or (requiring 8 GB ; note: the GTX 1660 actually has 6 GB VRAM), or equivalent Intel . Storage needs are set at 80 GB on an , with or 11 () as the operating system. For recommended specifications, which aim for at , players need a more robust setup including an Intel Core i5-13500 or processor, 32 GB of , and a graphics card such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or (requiring 12 GB ; note: the RTX 3060 Ti actually has 8 GB VRAM). These elevated VRAM and RAM demands support the game's high graphical fidelity and detailed mission environments, as noted in 's announcement. The game is also optimized for consoles like the , where it targets performance, with development leveraging enhancements for spectral super resolution. highlighted a collaboration with NVIDIA to ensure smooth performance on PC hardware meeting these specs.
CategoryMinimum (/30 FPS)Recommended (/60 FPS)
OSWindows 10/11 (64-bit)Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
Processor / Intel Core i5-13500 /
RAM16 GB32 GB
GraphicsNVIDIA GTX 1660 (requiring 8 GB ) / (requiring 8 GB )NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti (requiring 12 GB ) / (requiring 12 GB )
Storage80 GB 80 GB

Marketing

Promotion campaigns

initiated promotion campaigns for 007 First Light following its announcement, leveraging the 's legacy to engage fans and gamers through strategic partnerships and digital initiatives. The studio has formed collaborations with several high-profile brands from the for , emphasizing to integrate authentic elements into the game's world. Key partners include Aston Martin, , , Herman Miller Gaming, , , , Nvidia, and Leica, with their products appearing throughout the game to enhance immersion and generate revenue streams similar to those in . These partnerships were highlighted in 's social media announcements, using hashtags like #007FirstLight and #EarnTheNumber to amplify visibility among Bond enthusiasts and the gaming community. and form a core of the promotional efforts, targeting both and with interactive and community-driven strategies. The Wishlist Milestones promotion, launched in July 2025, encourages players to add the game to their wishlists on platforms like Steam, unlocking collective rewards such as in-game skins (e.g., the Savanna Bloom skin at 500,000 wishlists) and animated wallpapers upon reaching thresholds up to 1.5 million. This campaign quickly achieved over 500,000 wishlists, marking 007 First Light as IO Interactive's fastest title to do so and demonstrating the scale of online engagement. Complementing this, the IO Interactive Creator Program invites to produce and share material using hashtags like #007FirstLight, earning points toward free game keys through challenges tied to events such as the IO Showcase and PlayStation State of Play. Additionally, the "Beyond the Light" video series on YouTube provides behind-the-scenes content from developers, ramping up anticipation by revealing development insights ahead of the 2026 launch. and further build hype, with participating in and showcases like the IO Showcase on June 6, 2025, streamed across YouTube, Twitch, and to foster direct fan interaction. While specific merchandise details remain limited, the partnerships with brands like and suggest potential for , aligning with the franchise's tradition of extending promotions beyond digital spaces. The overall scale of these marketing efforts by IO Interactive is substantial, involving global brands and rapid community milestones that underscore the studio's investment in a multi-platform rollout.

Trailers and media

The debut trailer for 007 First Light, released during 's State of Play event on June 4, 2025, introduced a young as a resourceful recruit, featuring cinematic sequences of , , and set against a backdrop of shadowy environments. The trailer teased core gameplay elements like and , while hinting at an origin story narrative without revealing plot specifics, emphasizing Bond's early recklessness and skill-building. Key visuals included sleek, with dynamic camera work reminiscent of , building anticipation for the 2026 release. Subsequent media releases expanded on the initial reveal, including a gameplay trailer unveiled at State of Play on September 3, 2025, which showcased extended sequences of , shootouts, and environmental interactions, highlighting IO Interactive's blend of -style with . In December 2025, the studio launched the "Beyond the Light" developer diary series, with the first episode focusing on gameplay design, creative approaches to Bond's character arc, and in combat and stealth scenarios, providing deeper insights into mission variety. Reception to these trailers has been largely positive among fans, with the amassing over 4.6 million views on YouTube within months, praised for its faithful nod to Bond's suave persona and high-production values. The gameplay trailer garnered enthusiastic feedback for its polished mechanics and cinematic flair, though some early reactions noted concerns over generic deviating from traditional elegance, with comments describing it as "boring" or "awful" in isolated critiques. Overall, view counts and developer diary engagements have boosted public interest, signaling strong hype for the title's thrills. Promotional art for 007 First Light has evolved to align closely with James Bond's cinematic heritage, starting with the debut trailer's moody, silhouette-heavy posters that echo the dramatic posters of films like Dr. No and incorporating modern digital enhancements for a contemporary edge. Subsequent artwork, including key art from developer diaries, refines this by emphasizing tailored suits, iconic gadgets, and luxurious settings, as guided by franchise art director Rasmus Poulsen, who drew inspiration from Bond's literary and film legacy to create visuals that feel like a "cultural event." This stylistic progression ensures the media maintains the sophisticated, thrilling essence of the franchise while adapting to video game presentation standards.

References

  1. https://ioi.dk/007firstlightgame
  2. https://store.steampowered.com/app/3768760/007_First_Light/
  3. https://ioi.dk/007firstlightgame?panel=007firstlightgame%2Fnews%2F2026%2F007-first-light-unveils-pc-specs-and-nvidia-collaboration
  4. https://ioi.dk/007firstlightgame/news/2025/007-first-light-announcement
  5. https://gameinformer.com/2026/01/06/007-first-light-pc-specs-and-system-requirements-revealed-by-io-interactive
  6. https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-pc-version-of-007-first-light-requires-lots-of-expensive-ram-and-vram-to-run-at-recommended-settings-184339040.html
  7. https://www.techpowerup.com/344919/io-interactive-publishes-007-first-lights-minimum-recommended-pc-spec-requirements
  8. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/007-first-light-reveals-some-pretty-forgiving-pc-system-requirements-with-a-couple-caveats/
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  10. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/12/io-interactive-shares-lots-of-gameplay-details-in-007-first-light-dev-diary
  11. https://www.ign.com/videos/007-first-light-combat-stealth-gameplay-explained
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  18. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/after-years-of-preparation-ioi-is-ready-to-apply-its-lethal-learnings-to-007-first-light
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  22. https://ioi.dk/?panel=careers/news/2024/ulas-karademir-new-cto
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  25. https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/007-first-light/
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  27. https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/007-first-light-182cea
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  29. https://x.com/007GameIOI/status/2008599546708787297
  30. https://news.instant-gaming.com/en/articles/17000-io-interactive-has-revealed-the-pc-requirements-for-007-first-light
  31. https://www.dsogaming.com/news/007-first-light-requires-32gb-of-ram-and-12gb-of-vram-for-gaming-at-1080p-60fps/
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  36. https://gamingbolt.com/007-first-light-is-the-fastest-io-interactive-game-to-get-more-than-500000-wishlists
  37. https://www.keymailer.co/IOI/ioicreatorprogram
  38. https://wccftech.com/io-interactive-debuts-new-beyond-the-light-bts-007-first-light-series/
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4qY9DYE184
  40. https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65318405/
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jom-jxUEqJg
  42. https://bleedingcool.com/games/007-first-light-launches-beyond-the-light-dev-diary-series/
  43. https://screenrant.com/007-first-light-early-reactions/
  44. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/007-first-light-guide/
  45. https://www.mirror.co.uk/gaming/ive-always-been-inspired-bond-35840186
  46. https://screenrant.com/007-first-light-art-director-interview/
  47. https://www.creativebloq.com/3d/video-game-design/a-first-look-at-007-first-lights-blend-of-hitman-sandbox-and-uncharted-action-has-me-excited-for-the-future-of-bond
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