IO Interactive, creators of the Hitman series, is developing 007 First Light, an origin story portraying James Bond as a brash young MI6 recruit. The game features immersive gameplay with social elements and open-ended missions, drawing from decades of Bond lore. It introduces a new villain played by Lenny Kravitz and is set for release in March 2026.
IO Interactive has announced 007 First Light, a video game that reimagines James Bond's early career as a twenty-something MI6 agent. Portrayed by Patrick Gibson, this version of Bond is inexperienced and reckless, often leading to chaotic operations, yet he demonstrates cunning, charisma, and resourcefulness. The game builds on IO Interactive's expertise from the Hitman series, emphasizing open-ended sandbox missions where players can choose approaches like social infiltration, stealth, or direct action.
Cinematic and narrative director Martin Emborg discussed the project's inspirations in an interview. "What I think is kind of baked into doing an origin story for a character like James Bond, is that everyone knows the character and who he's going to become," Emborg said. "But how does he become this character? I think that's an exciting challenge from a storytelling perspective."
Unlike the more solitary Agent 47, Bond's social nature allows players to bluff or charm their way through scenarios. Emborg highlighted player agency: "Bond is a competent character. We want to give the player the opportunities to have that agency to say, 'Oh, I'm gonna talk to that guy,' or, 'I'm gonna go and punch that guy,' or, 'I can probably crawl up into a tight space to sneak in.'"
The game incorporates familiar characters such as Moneypenny (Kiera Lester), Q (Alastair Mackenzie), and M (Priyanga Burford), alongside originals like Bond's mentor John Greenway (Lennie James) and the villain Bawma, a black-market smuggler played by Lenny Kravitz. It draws from Bond novels and films, including references to On Her Majesty's Secret Service and You Only Live Twice.
Emborg described the game's structure as one that "breathes," mixing sandbox levels with chases and set pieces. Revealed at The Game Awards, 007 First Light aims to deliver an authentic superspy experience. It launches on March 27, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
