IO Interactive Unveils “007 First Light”—A Bold New Origin for James Bond

• • 007 First Light
Key Takeaways
  • 007 First Light was unveiled at PlayStation’s State of Play on June 4, 2025, by IO Interactive.
  • The game is an origin story where players portray a 26-year-old James Bond earning his “00” number.
  • It combines IO Interactive’s signature stealth and action gameplay with high-speed driving and gadgets.
  • 007 First Light is slated for a 2026 release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and the new Nintendo Switch 2.

James Bond is back—but not quite as you remember him. 007 First Light, the long-awaited Bond game from Hitman developer IO Interactive, made its explosive debut during the June 2025 PlayStation State of Play, and it’s already turning heads across the gaming world.

This stylish third-person action-adventure is a fresh take on the legendary spy’s origin story—think less martinis and tuxedos, more grit and growth. It’s slated for a 2026 release across PlayStation 5 (with PS5 Pro enhancements for silky 60FPS in Quality Mode), Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam & Epic Games Store), and the new Nintendo Switch 2.

“Earn the Number”: A Young Bond Steps Into the Shadows

In 007 First Light, a young James Bond dressed in a dark coat intently examines a small silver device he holds. An older man in a light-colored lab coat and glasses stands to his left, observing him in a lab setting.
Image: IO Interactive A/S / Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC

In 007 First Light, you’ll play as a 26-year-old James Bond—long before he earned his license to kill. As the tagline “Earn the Number” teases, this is a Bond in the making. The story follows his transformation from a bold Royal Navy air crewman to a raw MI6 recruit as he’s swept into the shadowy world of international espionage.

It’s an all-new, original storyline crafted in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, giving players a unique chance to explore Bond’s early days—his instincts, his flaws, and the events that shaped the myth.

Hitman DNA, Bond Swagger

Gameplay screenshot from 007 First Light showing a museum interior with a glowing blue outline skill effect.
Image: IO Interactive A/S / Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC

IO Interactive is bringing its signature blend of stealth and strategy from the Hitman series to the world of Bond. That means expect sleek stealth takedowns, pulse-pounding shootouts, and stylish infiltration—all paired with high-speed driving scenes and cool-as-ice gadgetry straight from Q’s lab.

The debut trailer gave us quick flashes of what’s to come: close-quarters brawls, cinematic escapes, espionage in exotic locales, and multiple ways to complete objectives—brute force, smooth talking, or classic spycraft.

Global Missions, Familiar Faces

Bond’s first mission takes him across the globe—from icy mountaintops to tropical hideouts—meeting both familiar characters and fresh faces. M, Q, and Moneypenny are all confirmed (with a modern twist), alongside new allies like Greenway, Bond’s no-nonsense MI6 mentor.

In a statement, IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak said:

“We’re pouring our energy and passion for the franchise into creating a cinematic adventure that pushes the boundaries of what a James Bond game can be, while telling a fresh, new story.”

A New Era of Bond Begins

With the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2 among its confirmed platforms, 007 First Light is shaping up to be a true blockbuster moment across consoles. A deeper dive into gameplay and story is expected later this year—so consider this your mission briefing for now.

To discover more exciting titles revealed alongside 007 First Light, don’t miss our recap of the PlayStation’s State of Play June 2025.

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