IO Interactive, the developers famous for their Hitman series, are finally ready to unveil their upcoming James Bond game. Earlier today, the IO Interactive X/Twitter unveiled the game’s full title, “007 First Light.” The tweet features a silhouetted James Bond and teases a full reveal later this week.
#EarnTheNumber in 007 First Light, a new game by @iointeractive. Mission brief is headed your way soon. Stay tuned for more information.#007FirstLight pic.twitter.com/Zk46IqHQfb
— 007 First Light (@007GameIOI) June 2, 2025
Initially announced as Project 007 in 2020, gamers saw nothing of the project other than a brief teaser trailer. Nearly five years later, IO are finally ready to show off their new spy thriller. First Light will feature in the IOI showcase later this week alongside games such as Hitman & Mindseye. The showcase will air at 11 AM AEST on Saturday, 7th June.
On the website, IO describes First Light as a “wholly original Bond origin story” where players will have to “earn their 00 status.” An origin story is a very different portrayal, as the books and films typically rely on a more experienced 007. A focus on a younger Bond may help First Light stand out from the dozens of James Bond adaptations.
IO have yet to reveal who will be portraying their version of James Bond. Traditionally, James Bond video games rely on the faces and sometimes voices of actors who have portrayed Bond in film. IO’s silhouetted Bond appears to be an entirely new portrayal. It’ll be fascinating to see who voices this Bond and if the model is based on the actor. This will be the first new actor for Bond since Daniel Craig took the role in 2006’s “Casino Royale”
IO’s experience on the Hitman series will be a great asset for First Light. Hitman is heavily inspired by spy thrillers such as the Bond films, but is a more “videogamey” take on espionage. Fans love Hitman for its absurdist assassinations and gallows humour, but also a sleek sense of style that would be very welcome in a James Bond game. I’m curious to see just how much of this DNA has influenced the production of 007 First Light.
The newest Hitman games have received years of post-launch support. It’s likely that more updates for Hitman: World of Assassination will be shown off alongside First Light. IO also plans to showcase Mindseye, their upcoming action shooter, releasing next week.
About the Author
Wil Bain
he/him
Wil plays every type of game (because he cannot sit still), but tends to favour frantic action and epic RPG's. Outside of gaming, you can find him at the local swimming pool, or visiting the exciting sights of suburban Melbourne.
