IO Interactive has officially revealed its upcoming James Bond game, titled 007: First Light, during Sony’s State of Play event held on June 5, 2025. The cinematic trailer offered the first proper look at the studio’s take on the long-running spy franchise, introducing a new version of Bond and giving fans a taste of the world the developers are building.
The reveal came earlier than expected. IO Interactive is scheduled to host its own presentation later this week, leading many to believe the first look would debut there. Instead, the cinematic trailer served as a teaser for what’s to come, with the studio confirming that gameplay footage will be shown during its showcase on Friday.
The trailer, which ran for just under two minutes, focused on tone and atmosphere. It featured a younger-looking Bond, equipped with gadgets, driving through narrow city streets, and navigating tense encounters. While the story details remain under wraps, the trailer hinted at a blend of classic espionage and modern action.
A release window has also been confirmed. 007: First Light is scheduled to launch sometime in 2026. With more than a year left before release, there is still time for development to continue and for the studio to refine the game based on player feedback and internal testing.
What stood out in the trailer was the return to a more traditional version of Bond. Rather than focusing on large-scale explosions or superhero-style action, the footage leaned into the spy’s roots—covert missions, sharp suits, fast cars, and tense standoffs. These elements suggest a strong focus on the kind of spy thrillers that defined Bond’s earlier years.
IO Interactive, best known for the Hitman series, previously stated that this project would feature an original storyline and a new interpretation of James Bond, unrelated to the actors from the films. The studio’s experience with stealth gameplay and open-ended mission design could bring something fresh to the series while staying true to its themes.
The choice to release a cinematic trailer ahead of gameplay shows that the studio is building anticipation slowly, giving fans time to absorb each new piece of information. With the gameplay reveal just around the corner, more details about how the game plays and what players can expect will be available soon.
007: First Light is being developed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC Steam.
