After years of secrecy, we finally have a name, and a promise of an imminent reveal, for IO Interactive’s much-anticipated James Bond game. It’s officially titled 007: First Light, and IO Interactive (the studio behind Hitman) is gearing up to unveil more about this original Bond adventure later this week. Described as a “wholly original Bond origin story,” 007: First Light will let players step into the polished shoes of the world’s most famous secret agent as he earns his 00 status for the first time.
 

The game, which has been in development under the codename Project 007, is not based on any existing movie but instead aims to craft a brand-new James Bond narrative. The title and concept were quietly confirmed via IOI’s website and social media, and now a full reveal is slated for the end of the week, aligning with Summer Game Fest festivities.
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What to Expect

IO Interactive’s announcement of 007: First Light confirms a few key details that fans have been speculating about. First, First Light is an origin story; meaning you’ll play as James Bond before he became the legendary 007. 

According to the official blurb on IOI’s site, players will “step into the [famous] shoes of the world’s favorite Secret Agent to earn their 00 status”. This suggests gameplay might involve formative missions and training that ultimately lead to Bond’s promotion to the elite double-O rank. It’s a fresh angle, as most Bond games (and films) drop us into an established Bond’s career. 

IOI’s CEO Hakan Abrak has mentioned previously that First Light is envisioned as the start of a potential new trilogy of Bond games; essentially, IOI is building its own Bond universe distinct from the films.

What about platforms or launch timing? Those details remain under wraps for now. The teaser info did not list platforms, but given IOI’s history, we can expect PC and major consoles at least. As for timeframe, IO Interactive has multiple teams (they’re also working on Hitman updates and an online fantasy RPG in early dev), but rumor has it First Light could be targeting 2025. The fact that it’s being revealed now, mid-2025, suggests it may be aiming for late 2025 or 2026 release; speculation, of course.

The reveal itself is timed with Summer Game Fest Live on June 6. IO Interactive tweeted that they’ll show the game “later this week,” and Summer Game Fest’s schedule shows a Friday, June 6 slot for 2 PM PT / 5 PM ET which aligns with this announcement. 

It’s not explicitly confirmed to be at SGF, but highly likely given Geoff Keighley (SGF host) loves world premieres of this caliber. We can expect a cinematic trailer and perhaps a quick developer snippet. Remember, IOI are masters of stealth and sandbox design from Hitman, so fans are excited to see how that translates to a Bond setting.
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One interesting nugget

007: First Light was one of the games confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2 during the April Switch 2 Direct, according to GameSpot’s coverage. So we already know one platform: Switch 2 (which implies PS5/Xbox Series as well, since Switch 2 is roughly current-gen in power). 

The Switch 2 Direct mention listed First Light alongside FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods, FFVII Remake, Yakuza 0 DC, etc., implying it’s a key upcoming title likely in 2025. That snippet also suggested the mysterious Summer Game Fest show would have something from Kojima and a mysterious horror game ILL, but First Light itself wasn’t confirmed for that show until now, essentially.

IOI has kept story and casting details quiet: we don’t even know who voices or models James Bond here. As it’s not based on any actor, they might create their own likeness for Bond. Abrak did state their Bond will not be based on any previous iteration (not Craig, Connery, etc.) So this is akin to how Tom Holland’s Uncharted movie wasn’t Nathan Fillion or any game likeness – a fresh face for Bond. It being an origin story suggests we’ll see Bond pre-MI6 or early MI6; possibly as a recruit or a trainee agent completing missions to prove himself.
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Industry Impact

This is a big moment both for IO Interactive and the James Bond license in games. It’s been almost a decade since the last major Bond game (007 Legends in 2012, which flopped). The license was dormant until IOI announced in 2020 they struck a deal to create a Bond title. IOI’s proven expertise with the Hitman series has set high expectations; many consider them perfect for Bond due to Hitman’s focus on stealth, disguises, and sandbox mission design. 

If 007: First Light is a hit, it could revitalize Bond in gaming much like GoldenEye 007 did in the late ’90s. It also would solidify IOI’s stature as a top-tier independent studio capable of handling marquee IP. This is their first major project outside Hitman since going independent from Square Enix in 2017, so its success could shape their trajectory.

For the Bond franchise, an original story game could complement the film series (which currently has no active Bond actor since Daniel Craig’s exit). It might even tide fans over during the film hiatus. The industry will watch how IOI handles the narrative; making your own Bond story gives creative freedom, but also carries pressure to meet the high bar of the beloved IP. If they pull it off, it could encourage more games that break from existing canon to tell new stories in famous universes, rather than just movie tie-ins.
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Conclusion

The world of gaming will get its first real dose of Bond, James Bond, courtesy of IO Interactive this week; and anticipation is shaken and stirred. With 007: First Light, IOI is crafting a brand-new Bond for us to embody, and the very notion has fans’ imaginations racing. Will we start as a raw MI6 recruit in training missions? Will there be high-stakes stealth infiltrations that play like Hitman with a suave twist? Which classic elements – the gadgets, the casino gambling, the iconic theme music – will find their way into this original plotline? The reveal at Summer Game Fest is poised to answer at least some of these questions.

One thing’s for sure: IOI’s expertise gives us confidence that Bond is in good hands. Their commitment to an original story means that even die-hard Bond aficionados won’t know exactly what’s coming, which is thrilling. The gaming community, starved for a quality spy experience, is ready to don the tux and holster once more. And with the promise of a proper reveal just days away, the countdown has begun. 

As the classic line in Bond films goes, “We’ve been expecting you” and indeed, IOI’s Bond, we have.

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