The upcoming James Bond video game, 007 First Light, has been pushed back from March to May 2026 to allow for additional polishing. Developed by IO Interactive, the title stars Patrick Gibson as a young James Bond in an origin story. This marks the first Bond game since 2012's 007 Legends.
IO Interactive, known for the Hitman series, announced the delay of 007 First Light, stating that the game is already "fully playable from beginning to end." However, the studio decided more time was required to "further polish" it, shifting the release from 27 March to 27 May 2026.
The game presents a reimagined origin tale of a 26-year-old James Bond, depicting his recruitment into MI6 and acquisition of his 00 status. It stands alone, separate from the Bond films or novels. Patrick Gibson, who appears in Dexter Original Sin, takes the lead role as the British spy.
Developed alongside Delphi Interactive—which is also working on a FIFA game for Netflix tied to the 2026 World Cup—007 First Light draws some gameplay elements from Hitman, including stealth and action, while featuring classic Bond gadgets and cinematic sequences.
At the Game Awards in December 2025, IO Interactive unveiled that US singer Lenny Kravitz will voice the main villain. Trailers have sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some noting issues like frame rate drops and motion blur effects.
IO Interactive described the project as its "most ambitious to date," adding, "We're confident this sets 007 First Light up for long-term success, and we sincerely appreciate the patience and continued support we've received ever since we revealed the game."
This delay follows a long gap in Bond video games, with 007 Legends being the last in 2012.
