IO Interactive, the studio behind the acclaimed Hitman series, is moving from the world of assassination to the world of espionage with a new James Bond game. The project, titled 007 First Light, is an origin story that will feature an unrefined Bond still in training.
At a recent Gamescom briefing, the developer showcased early gameplay, revealing a title that blends elements from its past work with classic Bond movie tropes. The demo followed a rookie Bond as part of a team hunting a rogue double-o agent, a plot that feels authentically Bond.
The gameplay was presented in three distinct parts, highlighting a mix of styles. The first section was a creative sandbox, reminiscent of Hitman. Bond infiltrated a luxurious mansion, using stealth, social interactions, and environmental distractions to progress. He scaled walls, flirted with staff to blend in, and triggered objects to manipulate guard patrols, showcasing a focus on espionage over outright combat.
Key differences from Hitman were immediately apparent. The team emphasized that the game aims to reflect the broader aspects of a Bond adventure, not just the lethal conclusions. A central new feature is the Omega-branded Q Watch, which elegantly integrates the HUD, displaying objectives, gadget selection, and weaponry. It also serves as a tool for analyzing the environment for interactive opportunities.
While the game will offer a linear narrative, IO Interactive promises players will have significant control over how they approach missions and objectives, blending thoughtful exploration with high-octane action set pieces. This approach aims to set it apart from previous Bond games, which have largely been first-person shooters of varying quality.
The demo then shifted dramatically to a car chase. The sequence was chaotic and destructive, evoking the feel of an Uncharted set piece. Bond pursued his target through a Swiss market, with the chase featuring jumps, explosions, and near-misses. However, it was noted that, in this early build, the chase appeared to be on rails, with players unable to actually catch the target until a scripted moment.
The pursuit culminated at a heavily fortified airbase, launching the game into its third mode: full-throttle combat. This section was a cover-based shooter filled with explosive environmental hazards like oil drums. The action peaked as Bond raced onto a military transport plane as it was taking off. Inside, he used his Q Watch to tilt the aircraft, sending enemies and cargo flying, before ultimately being ejected himself, leading to a mid-air parachute sequence.
This three-part structure suggests 007 First Light will attempt to cover the full spectrum of Bond movie excitement, from quiet stealth and social espionage to destructive vehicle chases and intense shootouts. While the concept of another Bond origin story may feel familiar, IO Interactive’s proven expertise in crafting tense, player-driven scenarios offers promise. The challenge will be seamlessly blending these three different gameplay styles into a cohesive whole.
007 First Light is scheduled for release on March 27 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
