James Bond's Next Game 007: First Light Reveals Detailed Gameplay

Sep 4

IO Interactive lifted the lid on 007 First Light with an extended gameplay deep dive during Sony’s State of Play on September 3, offering more than half an hour of new footage and confirming a March 27, 2026 release date. The showcase—streamed at 11 a.m. PT—focused entirely on the studio’s original James Bond origin story, built in-house on IOI’s Glacier engine.

The presentation walked through two missions: an undercover operation set amid a high-stakes chess tournament in Slovakia that culminates in a midair confrontation, and an infiltration of a gala in London’s Kensington. IO describes the core design as “Play Bond, your way,” emphasizing stealth, social engineering, and improvisation alongside close-quarters combat and precision gunplay. Gadgets from Q Branch (including a laser for cutting locks and tools for hacking and distraction) sit alongside brawling, parries, and takedowns, with driving sequences—like high-speed chases—featured as marquee set pieces.

The cast was also confirmed. Patrick Gibson portrays a 26-year-old James Bond, joined by Priyanga Burford (M), Alastair Mackenzie (Q), Kiera Lester (Miss Moneypenny), Lennie James (mentor John Greenway), and Noemie Nakai (Miss Roth). IO frames First Light as a wholly new take on Bond’s beginnings, not tied to any specific film portrayal from the past.

While the State of Play post highlights the PlayStation versions, IO Interactive’s press materials list a broader platform lineup: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, with preorders live now. A Deluxe Edition upgrade is included for preorder customers, offering 24-hour early access and cosmetic bonuses. IO and Amazon MGM Studios jointly issued the announcement alongside today’s show.

First Light also succeeds IO’s Hitman era but charts a distinct tone—leaning into “spycraft” systems (eavesdropping, pickpocketing, clue-chaining) and an “Instinct” resource for lures, bluffs, and slowed-aim shots. And from what we’re seeing, the deep dive footage also reminds detail-oriented fans about the studio’s hallmark sandbox design, applied to iconic Bond scenarios—blending tuxedos and tuxedo-masking with the series’ gadgetry and cinematic spectacle.

Check out the footage for yourself, included below.