007 First Light: IO Interactive Unveils Origin Story Game for James Bond, Coming 2026

IO Interactive, the acclaimed studio behind the Hitman series, has officially unveiled 007 First Light, a brand-new third-person James Bond action-adventure game.

Announced during the June 2025 PlayStation State of Play, the cinematic trailer revealed the franchise’s first true origin story for the iconic spy.

The game is slated for release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

A Young Bond Takes the Spotlight

Set long before Bond’s tuxedo-and-martini days, 007 First Light puts players in the shoes of a 26-year-old James Bond, tracing his journey from Royal Navy air crewman to elite MI6 agent. 

According to PlayStation Blog, players will witness Bond’s formative years—haunted by a childhood tragedy, sharpened by military discipline, and tested by the world of espionage.

The story begins with Bond being recruited into a newly reformed 00 Section, after demonstrating extraordinary bravery in the field. In 007 First Light, players will travel across the globe, making critical decisions using brute force, charm, or stealth, shaping how their version of Bond evolves.

Hitman Meets Bond: Gameplay Overview

IO Interactive’s signature style is evident in early gameplay glimpses. The trailer showcased stealth-based infiltration, hand-to-hand combat, high-speed driving, and the use of cutting-edge spy gadgets—a hallmark of the franchise.

The game is described as a story-driven action-adventure that offers players multiple approaches to mission objectives, blending the cerebral design of Hitman with cinematic storytelling.

"Players won’t just play as Bond—they’ll become Bond," said IOI CEO Hakan Abrak. "We’re crafting a cinematic adventure that pushes the boundaries of what a James Bond game can be."

A Star-Studded Cast and Familiar Faces

007 First Light introduces a fresh cast of reimagined characters. Classic names like M, Q, and Moneypenny return, along with new faces like John Greenway, Bond’s mentor, voiced by The Walking Dead star Lennie James.

Another character teased in the trailer is the rogue agent 009, described as a master manipulator who plays a key role in the game’s narrative arc.

Technical Highlights and Platform Features

Built on IO Interactive’s proprietary Glacier engine, the game will run at 60 FPS in Quality Mode and support PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) on PS5 Pro. The game is confirmed for:

• PlayStation 5 (with PS5 Pro enhancements)

• Xbox Series X|S

• Nintendo Switch 2

• PC (Steam & Epic Games Store)

An exclusive in-game item will be available at launch for players who register for an IOI Account.

A New Bond Trilogy Begins?

First announced in 2020 as Project 007, the game has been years in the making. IO Interactive has emphasized that this is a standalone, original story, not tied to any specific film.

The studio also hinted at larger plans, with CEO Abrak expressing hopes that 007 First Light could be the first chapter in a new trilogy.

Watch the trailer below: