007 Last Light Studio Pitched Game by Putting Daniel Craig’s Head on Agent 47 in Sapienza

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Although creating a James Bond game by the makers of Hitman might seem like an obvious choice, IO Interactive faced some intriguing dilemmas when seeking the rights to develop 007 First Light. In an interview with IGN, IO Interactive’s CEO Hakan Abrak shared that during their pitch, they demonstrated gameplay from Hitman’s World of Assassination series, but substituted Agent 47‘s head with Daniel Craig’s.

To delve deeper into the elements typically found in a James Bond-style game, the studio utilized the Sapienia stage, where players carry out targeted killings within a grand mansion and simultaneously work to neutralize a harmful virus secretly brewed in a subterranean lab hidden under the property.

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“Abrak explained that they had digitally inserted Daniel Craig’s head into the game as a placeholder for Agent 47 during demonstrations. This was done to illustrate what it means to have living, breathing spaces in an IO game. A level called Sapienza, which features a virus hidden beneath a compound in caves, was showcased during these demos. The response to these demonstrations was positive.

Abrak noted that IO Interactive’s ability to propose a game with more than just non-stop action sequences, filled with gunfire and explosions, made the concept more appealing. At the heart of their pitch was the studio’s capability to create complex levels featuring diverse gameplay styles, which would perfectly suit a game based on the character of James Bond.

Abrak clarified, “The demo was just for demonstration purposes, correct?” He continued, “What they appreciated about us and what we aim to present is a comprehensive experience that goes beyond just action sequences and cutscenes. Our game also allows players to immerse themselves in the Bond universe’s social settings, where Bond uses more than just his fighting skills. He employs charm, wit, and deception to navigate through various social scenarios, overcoming challenges or achieving his goals without always resorting to violence.

Instead of Daniel Craig reprising his James Bond role in the final product, Abrak shared that the studio opted to concentrate on an origin story for 007. To accomplish this, they selected Patrick Gibson to play Bond in the series titled “007 First Light.” This move, according to Abrak, allowed the studio to ensure that the title isn’t just perceived as a film adaptation. Instead, he described it as a project “constructed from the ground up as a game for gamers,” while simultaneously delivering an authentic James Bond experience.

Abrak mentioned that they had never worked on anything other than original worlds and characters before. He emphasized that they wanted to add their own creative touch to this new project as well. Therefore, they weren’t keen on turning a film into a game or focusing solely on technical aspects such as enhancing the visuals of Pierce Brosnan or recreating specific movie scenes in gaming.

We made sure from the outset that the game was designed primarily for gamers, yet felt authentically Bond-like. It also ventured into uncharted territory, deviating from the usual formula of starting with a seasoned agent who knows the ins and outs of the spy world. Instead, it presents a newcomer’s perspective, as he navigates the complexities of espionage throughout his journey, which I found quite intriguing.

The game titled “007 First Light” is set to be launched for personal computers (PC), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The anticipated release date for this game is March 27, 2026.

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2025-09-04 18:13