Sony and IO Interactive officially unveiled 007: First Light during the PlayStation State of Play broadcast on June 4, announcing a third-person action-adventure game that reimagines the origin story of James Bond. The game is scheduled for release in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Windows PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

The game is being developed by IO Interactive, known for the Hitman series. 007: First Light is a standalone prequel that explores Bond’s early transformation — from a Royal Navy aviation officer to a new MI6 recruit just beginning his journey toward earning “00” status.

The cinematic trailer introduces fans to a young, inexperienced Bond — a 26-year-old agent undergoing spy training, embarking on global missions, and carrying the burden of a tragic past.

“In 007 First Light, follow James Bond as a young, resourceful, and sometimes reckless recruit in MI6’s training program”, reads the game’s official description. The trailer showcases a variety of locations, including a mountain hotel, nightclubs, and business events, blending stealth infiltration with explosive action in true Bond fashion.

Bond’s mentor in the game, John Greenway, will be voiced by The Walking Dead actor Lennie James. According to the story, Bond is tasked with tracking down a traitor — Agent 009, described as a “master manipulator”. The trailer teases a tense cat-and-mouse game unfolding in exotic locations around the world.

IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak stated that the studio has leveraged its 25 years of experience developing the Hitman series to create a new cinematic spy thriller. “We’re pouring our energy and passion for the franchise into creating a cinematic adventure that pushes the boundaries of what a James Bond game can be”, Abrak said.

Gameplay mechanics will include stealth assassinations, shootouts, gadget use, and dialogue choices — allowing players to decide how Bond tackles each mission. Signature Q-lab gadgets and disguise-based social stealth, familiar to Hitman fans, will also play a significant role.

007: First Light is not based on any existing Bond film or portrayal. Instead, IO Interactive aims to create an entirely original version of 007 — with its own story, tone, and cast of characters, including new interpretations of M, Q, and Miss Moneypenny. Studio co-owner Christian Elverdam described the project as “the beginning of something new” and emphasized the creation of a Bond who is “comfortably just his own game character”.

The game was first announced back in 2020 under the title Project 007. First Light will be the first major James Bond video game in over a decade. IO Interactive has hinted that the game may be the start of a new trilogy, although the flagship Hitman series is currently on hold while the studio focuses on this project.

More gameplay details for 007: First Light will be revealed during Summer Game Fest 2025.