007 First Light: IO Interactive Reveals James Bond’s Origin Story in Bold New Action-Adventure Game

007 First Light Announced: Experience James Bond’s Reimagined Origin in IO Interactive’s Cinematic Spy Adventure

The name’s Bond. James Bond — and he’s back in a way we’ve never seen before.

IO Interactive, the award-winning developer of the HITMAN franchise, has officially unveiled 007 First Light, a third-person action-adventure game that explores the untold origin story of a young James Bond. Revealed during Sony’s PlayStation State of Play, the game is set to launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.

Developed in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, 007 First Light is an ambitious, standalone story that reimagines Bond’s rise from a rebellious Royal Navy air crewman to MI6’s most elite agent — and ultimately, the legendary 007.

A Young Bond Like You’ve Never Seen Before

Set before any film, novel, or previous game, 007 First Light introduces players to Bond at age 26, long before he earned his license to kill. Described as a promising yet headstrong recruit, Bond is selected for MI6’s newly resurrected 00 program after a show of daring heroism during a combat mission.

This isn’t the suave, confident secret agent you think you know. This is the origin of the myth — and a chance for players to shape Bond’s personality, methods, and reputation through their choices and actions.

“We’re creating a cinematic adventure that pushes the boundaries of what a James Bond game can be,” said IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak. “This is a story made for fans, but also for those who want to experience the raw, emotional ascent of an icon.”

Gameplay: Stealth, Action, and Spycraft

Blending IO Interactive’s acclaimed stealth and action mechanics with espionage gameplay rooted in the Bond universe, 007 First Light invites players to navigate a world of global intrigue, shadowy villains, and double agents.

Whether sneaking through enemy compounds, engaging in hand-to-hand takedowns, or deploying gadgets from Q-branch, players will be able to choose how Bond completes missions — with brute force, clever deception, or classic spy charm.

Expect:

• Stealth and infiltration inspired by HITMAN
• Dynamic combat and gadgets tailored to Bond’s evolving toolkit
• Player-driven choices that affect mission outcomes and character relationships
• Exotic international locations full of secrets and cinematic set pieces

This isn't just another spy shooter — it's a deeply story-driven experience where your Bond is defined by your playstyle.

Familiar Faces & New Allies

While 007 First Light charts an original narrative, it will be filled with familiar names from the franchise:

• M – Head of MI6 and Bond’s no-nonsense superior
• Q – Gadget genius, helping Bond gear up for missions
• Moneypenny – MI6's trusted secretary and early supporter of Bond’s career

New to the story are key original characters:

• John Greenway – Bond’s tough but principled MI6 mentor
• Isola – A mysterious figure whose allegiances remain unclear
• A fresh rogue’s gallery of villains, created specifically for this new Bond universe

Cinematic Origins: Building the New Bond

The title First Light signals the beginning of Bond’s legend, and IO Interactive aims to capture that essence with a tone that’s gritty, grounded, and emotionally charged. Drawing inspiration from the spy thrillers of both the modern Bond films and classic Cold War novels, the game will explore the internal conflict, trauma, and ambition that forge the man behind the codename.

Expect intense moral choices, betrayals, and high-stakes missions as Bond learns what it truly means to serve queen and country.

When Can You Play?

007 First Light is set for release in 2026 and will be available on:

• PlayStation 5
• PC via Steam and Epic Games Store
• Xbox Series X|S
• Nintendo Switch 2

The game is available to wishlist now, and players can view the official reveal trailer from today’s State of Play on PlayStation’s YouTube channel.

It’s been nearly a decade since the last major Bond video game, but IO Interactive is aiming to not just revive the franchise, but redefine it.

007 First Light offers a rare opportunity: to step into the shoes of Bond before he becomes the world’s most famous spy, and to influence his journey into the 00 section. With cinematic storytelling, iconic spycraft, and a reimagined origin, this could be the Bond game fans have been waiting for.