007 First Light – exploring James Bond before he became the legendary spy
007 First Light officially launches today, May 27, 2026, on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. This is an action-adventure game developed by IO Interactive, telling the origin story of James Bond before he earned the famous "00" designation.
Before the agent code
Instead of placing players in the role of James Bond at the height of his career, 007 First Light takes a different approach: it brings them back to the time when Bond was still a young naval officer, just entering MI6's Double 0 training program. The story begins after he performs a brave act that leads to his recruitment into the intelligence agency.
However, things quickly become complicated. A mission to capture a rogue agent ends in tragedy, forcing Bond to work alongside his mentor, Greenway, to uncover the conspiracy behind it and stop a planned coup unfolding within the state.
Gameplay: choose how you handle situations
The highlight of 007 First Light is its flexible approach to gameplay. Players can choose stealth-based tactics—using gadgets and tricks to infiltrate and neutralize targets without leaving a trace—or opt for direct confrontation with firearms. There is also a third option: Bond can sometimes talk his way through situations or deceive guards.
The game also promises visually striking locations, iconic vehicles, and a cinematic experience typical of the James Bond franchise. After completing the main story, players can replay favorite missions with additional modifiers that change the challenge.
IO Interactive returns with a familiar style
IO Interactive is no stranger to the stealth-action genre. The Danish studio is best known for the Hitman series. Taking on a standalone James Bond project—rather than a film adaptation—is a bold move, and 007 First Light clearly carries the gameplay DNA of their previous titles.
Notably, this is a completely original story, with no direct connection to any existing Bond films. IO Interactive is building its own version of Bond—younger, more impulsive, and still unrefined.
