IO Interactive has announced a two-month delay for its upcoming James Bond game, 007 First Light, shifting the release from March to May 2026. The Danish developer cited the need for additional polish to ensure high quality. The game, described as the studio's most ambitious project, remains fully playable and is set to launch on multiple platforms.
IO Interactive, the Danish studio behind the Hitman series, revealed the delay for 007 First Light on December 23, 2025. Originally scheduled for March 27, 2026, the stealth action game will now arrive on May 27, 2026, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC.
In a statement, IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak explained the decision: "007 First Light is our most ambitious project to date, and the team has been fully focused on delivering an unforgettable James Bond experience, bringing together breathtaking action, globe-trotting, spycraft, gadgets, car chases, and more. As an independent developer and publisher, this decision allows us to ensure the experience meets the level of quality you players deserve on day one."
Abrak added that the game is progressing well and is fully playable from beginning to end. The extra two months will allow the team to polish and refine it further, aiming for the strongest possible launch and long-term success. The studio expressed appreciation for fan support since the game's reveal.
The announcement follows a recent trailer at The Game Awards, which introduced musician and actor Lenny Kravitz as a villain. Eurogamer's Alex Donaldson, who previewed the game, called it "so much more than Hitman" and suggested it could be the "ultimate composite video game." This delay adjusts the 2026 release calendar, taking the spot previously held by Grand Theft Auto 6.
