What to Expect From the Next James Bond Game, 007 First Light

IO Interactive is gradually unveiling details about the long-awaited AAA game titled “007 First Light”, marking a return of James Bond games in the gaming industry after over a decade. In the past, games like “GoldenEye”, “007 Nightfire”, “007 Everything or Nothing”, and even less popular ones such as “007 Blood Stone” were frequently released. However, when the underwhelming “007 Legends” was launched alongside the Academy Award-winning film “Skyfall”, the rights holders of Bond became hesitant about producing more games for the franchise. When Activision’s contract with the IP expired (or was terminated), James Bond games vanished from the gaming landscape.

Now, he’s coming back with “007 First Light,” a new video game developed by IO Interactive, who are known for creating the Hitman series. This third-person action game combines elements from the Hitman series with a traditional James Bond adventure designed specifically for gaming. Unlike previous instances where these games served as tie-ins for movies, there’s no upcoming movie this time. Instead, it seems we’ll have to wait a few more years until Denis Villeneuve’s James Bond film hits theaters, which is currently being written. So, “007 First Light” represents a unique, standalone take on the brand.

007 First Light Tells James Bond’s Origin Story

As a devoted admirer, I’ve always found the backstory of the MI6 agent somewhat enigmatic, yet the Daniel Craig films have artfully delved into this mystery in numerous ways. The opening sequence of Casino Royale offers a tantalizing glimpse into how he acquired his double-0 status and transforms into an icy assassin, one who prefers to keep emotional distance from others. Additionally, bits and pieces about his childhood are subtly revealed in Skyfall and Spectre, but these details are generally sketched rather than fully fleshed out.

In contrast, the game titled “007 First Light” is being presented as a backstory for Bond. The trailer hints at the unfortunate mountain climbing incident that took his parents’ lives and potentially left its mark on him, while also suggesting his transformation into a spy. Despite IO Interactive keeping silent about who portrays the suave agent, indications seem to suggest Patrick Gibson from “Dexter: Original Sin” as the James Bond character in this version.

007 First LightWill Have Massive Cinematic Set Pieces

It appears that the game 007 First Light might borrow elements from series like Uncharted, incorporating grand, pre-planned sequences reminiscent of what one would encounter in a Bond movie. A 30-minute gameplay sneak peek of First Light showcased an exhilarating car chase across mountains, a thrilling gunfight at an airfield, and a nail-biting escape from a plummeting aircraft sans parachute. While the player maintains control for most parts, the gameplay will be more directed to deliver the impressive spectacle players anticipate from such large-scale productions.

007 First Light Is a Spy Game First and an Action Game Second

007 First Light showcases IO Interactive’s talent for crafting immersive experiences during quieter scenes, similar to their work in Hitman. Expect plenty of detective work, stealthy maneuvers, and attempts to avoid confrontations when possible. Bond, being a versatile agent, excels at activities like pickpocketing, eavesdropping, talking his way out of trouble, and charming information out of people. He’s resourceful, often finding solutions that don’t involve violence.

In the game, Bond is furnished with a Q-crafted watch, brimming with a stun laser for subduing adversaries, camera hacking abilities, and numerous other features. Rest easy, this is a Bond who revels in his gadgets, and players will have ample opportunities to employ them throughout the entire adventure.

007 First Light Is Just the Beginning

If everything proceeds smoothly, it seems that “007 First Light” might initiate a series of three games. IO Interactive has shown a keen interest in creating additional Bond games and is expected to portray the character’s transformation into the seasoned spy we’re all familiar with. Given their speedy production of Hitman titles, fans may anticipate a similar tempo for James Bond productions.

While it’s uncertain if IO Interactive will bring back familiar villains like Blofeld from earlier games, it wouldn’t be surprising. In the upcoming game 007 First Light, a character known as 009 will serve as the antagonist, who has only had small roles and mentions in previous films. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Bond encounters a rogue MI6 agent, having faced such situations in movies like GoldenEye and Skyfall.

While it remains to be seen if IO Interactive will reintroduce previous villains such as Blofeld in later games, it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary. The upcoming game 007 First Light features 009 as its antagonist, a character who has had limited appearances and references in prior films. It is also noteworthy that this isn’t Bond’s first encounter with a rogue MI6 agent, as seen in movies like GoldenEye and Skyfall.

The video game titled “007 First Light” is set to be launched on March 27th, 2026, and it will be available for play on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, the next-generation Nintendo Switch, and personal computers (PC).

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2025-09-03 21:40