IO Interactive is set to release 007 First Light in March 2026, offering a new take on James Bond’s origins. Known for the Hitman series, the studio is bringing its experience in stealth and strategic gameplay to the Bond universe. According to IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak, the project represents the studio’s most ambitious game to date. Players can expect a mix of stealth, creative problem-solving, and high-stakes espionage, allowing them to shape Bond’s path from novice agent to the legendary 007.
The game emphasizes choice, letting players approach situations with spycraft, improvisation, combat, or an array of 007-style gadgets. Globetrotting is a key aspect, reflecting the cinematic nature of the franchise. Trailers show Bond in a variety of environments, including tense climbing sequences, upside-down stunts above crocodiles, and quieter, character-driven moments. These sequences highlight both the action and humor that the game aims to deliver.
Celebrity Cast and Character Introductions
007 First Light features a notable cast bringing the story and characters to life. Gemma Chan portrays Dr. Selina Tan, an early mentor to Bond who tests his instincts and judgment. Chan described the experience as a unique challenge compared to film and television, requiring her to fully project herself into the character without physical sets or co-actors.
Lenny Kravitz joins the game as Bawma, a pirate king in Aleph, Mauritania. Bawma is introduced in dramatic fashion, combining theatrical flair with menace. Kravitz noted that performance capture and voice work felt familiar due to his musical background, allowing him to translate rhythm and emotion into the role. IO Interactive highlighted that Kravitz’s energy and presence were a natural fit for the character, aligning with the game’s tone and cinematic style.
Expanding IO Interactive’s Gameplay Style
While IO Interactive has previously included celebrity talent in its titles, such as Mads Mikkelsen in Hitman and Eminem as an elusive target, 007 First Light is an effort to merge the studio’s signature gameplay with a new narrative audience: Bond fans. Abrak emphasized that the game is both “very Bond and very IOI,” maintaining the studio’s focus on choice-driven stealth while introducing story-driven sequences and cinematic presentation.
Players can expect a range of environments, from dense urban settings to exotic international locations. The game encourages experimentation, allowing players to complete objectives through stealth or combat, and to explore creative approaches using gadgets and improvisation. The blend of cinematic storytelling and interactive gameplay positions 007 First Light as a departure from conventional Bond video games, offering a more personal and adaptive experience for players.
Release Information
007 First Light is scheduled for release on March 26, 2026, exclusively via the Epic Games Store. The game aims to appeal to both longtime Bond fans and players familiar with IO Interactive’s stealth-focused titles, delivering a mix of espionage, action, and narrative depth.
Source: IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does 007 First Light release?
007 First Light is scheduled for release on March 26, 2026, on the Epic Games Store.
Which platforms will 007 First Light be available on?
The game will be available exclusively on the Epic Games Store at launch.
Who voices the characters in 007 First Light?
Gemma Chan voices Dr. Selina Tan, and Lenny Kravitz voices the pirate king Bawma. Other classic Bond characters, including M, Q, and Moneypenny, also appear in the game.
What gameplay styles are included in 007 First Light?
The game features stealth, combat, improvisation, and gadget-based strategies, allowing players to choose how to approach missions.
Is 007 First Light connected to the Hitman series?
While developed by IO Interactive, the game does not share a narrative connection to Hitman but utilizes similar mechanics like stealth and strategic decision-making.
Does 007 First Light explore Bond’s early career?
Yes, the game is a reimagined origin story showing Bond’s development before he becomes the 007 agent known from the films.
