IO Interactive, known for the stealth action of Hitman, is venturing into the world of espionage with a new game, 007 First Light, aiming to capture the iconic essence of James Bond.
Selected media, including Polygon, were recently invited to IO Interactive’s Copenhagen studio to preview 007 First Light. This marks the studio’s first foray into developing a game based on existing intellectual property. CEO Hakan Abrak playfully suggested that the studio’s history had been leading them to this project all along.
The Hitman series, celebrated for its stealth gameplay and featuring the lethal Agent 47, has established IO Interactive as a leader in the genre. With 25 years of history and various adaptations including films and novels, the series has explored themes of espionage, assassination, and complex conspiracies. This makes IO Interactive a fitting choice to develop a game centered on the world’s most recognizable spy.
IO Interactive was in the process of finalizing Hitman 3 and developing an original IP when Amazon MGM approached them about creating a James Bond game. The Bond franchise remains a highly sought-after property; its appeal is clear given the massive revenue generated annually by the video game industry.
Initially hesitant, IO Interactive gradually embraced the potential of a Bond game. Abrak mentioned that their studio primarily focused on original content. As discussions evolved, the team became increasingly enthusiastic about their potential contributions to the James Bond universe, jokingly acknowledging their history was preparing them for this opportunity.
Having seen the game in action, it is clear that Amazon MGM and Eon Productions have put the franchise into good hands.
James Bond and Agent 47, while sharing similar roles in their respective worlds, have stark differences. Agent 47 is characterized by his cold and detached demeanor, often appearing more mechanical than human. Bond, on the other hand, exudes charm and charisma, navigating challenging situations with ease. This appeal has resonated with audiences for decades, establishing him as a global icon.
IO Interactive aims to capture the essence of Bond while adding their own unique touch.
Martin Emborg, the cinematic and narrative director of 007 First Light, described their Bond as “the new kid on the block.” He is in the process of figuring out who he is, and his charisma needs to be weaponized. The young James Bond, played by Patrick Gibson, is different from the experienced agent seen in films such as Casino Royale. The game will show us how he grows into the spy fans know and love.
The “Iceland Incident,” an early event in the game, results in Bond’s recruitment. New to the spy game, Bond is surrounded by seasoned intelligence veterans.
IO Interactive recognizes that each James Bond actor in the past brought a certain flavor to the role. They set out to make a Bond for the modern age, which means that his values must be modern as well.
When asked about the role of “Bond girls”, Emborg states that they will be treating them “as characters”. The Bond Girl archetype has been around since the character’s inception, but many feel that the trope has run its course, and no longer reflects modern times.
According to Emborg, “Not a dinosaur.”
Bond is not the only person that will be getting a facelift. M will also be stepping into her role as a kindred spirit to Bond. The role is played by Priyanga Burford. Also announced are Lennie James as John Greenway, Alistair Mackenzie as Q, and Kiera Lester as Moneypenny.
The game’s preview showed Bond, acting as a driver, assisting veteran agents in tracking a rogue agent (009).
The game looks amazing. As the franchise has a history of showing off vacation-worthy locations, Slovakia is the new destination. Old buildings, lush forests, and the lifestyle of the wealthy are there for the player to experience.
Told to stay in the car, Bond goes off script and decides to investigate why luggage is being thrown out the window. Once inside the hotel, Bond gets stopped by security. The gameplay becomes open, as Bond must now figure out how to proceed. He notices an open window he can shimmy up to, but guests and guards are watching. To get to the window, Bond will need a distraction.
Like in Hitman, Bond will be able to use his environment to his advantage. His watch allows him to take note of his surroundings, like enemies, interactive objects, and places to hide. He can use four gadgets in the field. In this mission, he is equipped with a dart and laser. He uses the former on a guard, causing him to get sick and attract attention. After he sneaks into a grassy area, he grabs a lighter next to a fountain and sets a wheelbarrow full of flowers on fire.
Distractions dealt with, Bond climbs into the window. He gets caught, but talks himself out of the situation. Seeing security believe Bond after witnessing him climb through a window strains belief, but the rest of the game is solid. 007 First Light’s gameplay director Andreas Krogh states that there are situations in the game where Bond will not be able to bluff.
According to Krogh, there are many ways to get where you need to be. The preview showed Bond overhearing a PR manager looking for a missing journalist. Bond then pretends to be said journalist in order to gain access to the floor he needs to be on.
The gameplay moves to one of Bond’s classic settings, a car chase. He and a companion named Isola are the only ones that can catch 009. Bond races down roads, turns corners, and launches into the air in the Slovakian countryside. Bond is chatty during the chase, which shows his frantic energy.
009 escapes and runs to the airport. Bond must go after him. This introduces a feature that differentiates Bond from Agent 47.
After entering a tunnel, Bond is confronted by an enemy. The enemy is warned not to shoot. When the gun is drawn, the words “LICENSE TO KILL” appear. Bond says that he warned them, and fires.
Bond is not portrayed as a cold-blooded killer. He only kills when necessary. The player cannot go around harming civilians, the way you can as Agent 47. Although this is IO’s version of the character, they are careful to honor what makes James Bond who he is. Bond does not take pleasure in killing.
Krogh stated that the license to kill will come in different forms during the game, based on the situation. The chase for 009 makes it clear that violence is now unavoidable, giving us our first look at combat.
Bond is great with a gun, and can eliminate enemies easily. He can also use their guns against them, including throwing them at combatants and following up with his fists. He also uses an enemy’s body to break his fall, picks up their weapon, and continues firing.
Bond can also use a focus ability that slows down time. It is similar to Max Payne or Red Dead Redemption. As he fights through the airport, he shoots at barrels, causing a fire.
The preview ends with Bond free falling as the airplane explodes around him.
The game has a lot of buzz, and the previews look promising. What does a modern Bond game look like? Can it survive in the current gaming environment? Is the new game different enough to bring in a new audience? Is it similar enough to bring in the old one?
IO wants to make a Bond that they can put their mark on and that video game fans can embrace.
According to Abrak, The goal is to attract the younger audience. The game can be a way for them to experience the world of James Bond, and the fantasy of being in the gaming space.
007 First Light will be available on March 27, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. Keywords: James Bond, 007, First Light, IO Interactive, Hitman, Video Game, Espionage, Action Game