007 First Light is a new dawn for James Bond in gaming

IO Interactive is finally ready to pull back the curtain on one of the gaming industry’s most closely guarded secrets. Five years after its initial announcement, the studio is poised to reveal 007 First Light, its long-anticipated James Bond origin story. Initially introduced to the world in 2020 under the codename Project 007, the game is now set for a full reveal later this week.

A silhouette steps into the light

In a cryptic post to Twitter/X, IOI shared a single still image, which depicted a faintly lit silhouette, presumably Bond himself, bathed in a solitary beam of light. The words “First Light 007” hover in clean typography, accompanied by the hashtag #EarnTheNumber. While sparse in detail, the image confirms what fans have long suspected, that this is a story about beginnings, about Bond before the license to kill.

Set to be showcased as part of Summer Game Fest or one of the many June showcases, 007 First Light marks a defining moment for IO Interactive. Known for their mastery of stealth and style in the Hitman series, the studio has put Agent 47 on hiatus to fully realise their Bond vision.

The game will launch on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and, notably, the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

An original Bond, not bound by film

What sets 007 First Light apart is its originality. This isn’t a retelling of Connery, Brosnan, or Craig. IOI is crafting a unique take on Bond’s journey, before the Aston Martins, before the martinis. CEO Hakan Abrak has hinted this could be the first in a trilogy, signalling a long-term commitment to reinventing the character for a new generation.

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For a franchise long shaped by cinema, 007 First Light could redefine Bond through interactive storytelling. If it lands, it won’t just refresh a legend; it might reshape what it means to become 007.