IO Interactive has officially revealed its James Bond origin story, 007 First Light, will launch on March 27, 2026. The announcement, made during a dedicated PlayStation State of Play showcase, confirmed the game is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The deep dive also unveiled that Irish actor Patrick Gibson (Dexter: Original Sin) will portray the new, younger super-spy.
Developed by the studio behind the Hitman series, 007 First Light is a third-person narrative action-adventure game that puts players in the shoes of a “cocky and reckless” Bond at the start of his MI6 career. Gameplay footage revealed during the stream showed a blend of the studio’s signature stealth mechanics with explosive, cinematic action sequences. Players will use gadgets, social stealth, and environmental manipulation to complete objectives, with IO Interactive emphasizing that players will have freedom in how they approach missions.
A new “License to Kill” mechanic will activate during firefights, allowing Bond to use lethal force only when an enemy is about to shoot, differentiating his style from the colder Agent 47. The studio aims to create a more contemporary Bond, with cinematic director Martin Emborg stating female characters will be treated simply “as characters.” Joining Gibson is an ensemble cast that includes Priyanga Burford as M, Alastair Mackenzie as Q, Kiera Lester as Miss Moneypenny, and Lennie James as Bond’s mentor, John Greenway.
Preorders are now live for the game, which will have a standard price of $69.99. Those who preorder the base game will receive a free upgrade to the “Deluxe Edition,” which includes 24-hour early access and several cosmetic packs. For collectors, a $300 “Legacy Edition” is available for PS5, Xbox, and PC, featuring the game, a steelbook case, and a replica Golden Gun figurine. The physical Nintendo Switch 2 version will be a “Game-Key Card” that requires a digital download to play.
Sources
- Engadget: Sony is hosting a State of Play showcase for 007 First Light on September 3
- PlayStation Blog: Watch over 30 minutes of 007 First Light gameplay, launching March 27, 2026
- Engadget: 007 First Light preview: a messy mix of Hitman and action movie tropes
- Polygon: IO Interactive’s 007 First Light is a contemporary Bond with a license to kill — sometimes
- GameSpot: 007 First Light Will Star Patrick Gibson As Legendary Super-Spy
- GameSpot: 007 First Light Legacy Edition Preorder Bonuses, Release Date, Platforms
- IGN: 007 First Light: Here’s What Comes in Each Edition
