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IO Interactive Sets the Stage for 007 First Light
After months of speculation, IO Interactive has confirmed the release date for its highly anticipated James Bond title. 007 First Light will launch worldwide on March 27, 2026, arriving on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The announcement was made during Sony’s latest State of Play showcase, where the studio debuted a new 30-minute gameplay presentation.
Stealth and Gadgets Take the Spotlight
The extended look revealed how IOI is blending its Hitman sandbox DNA with cinematic Bond action. Players can infiltrate their target locations in multiple ways — sneaking past guards, distracting enemies with environmental tricks, or piecing together clues to unlock hidden routes.
Bond’s toolkit grows with the story, offering an array of high-tech gadgets, which can play with the world in different ways. The demo also introduced the Instinct System, a resource earned through objectives and takedowns, which can be spent to bluff in dialogue, lure enemies into traps, or enhance precision during shootouts.
A Cinematic Bond Experience
Unlike Hitman, where open combat often signals failure, 007 First Light embraces firefights and stylish melee choreography. The demo showcased Bond engaging in explosive car chases, parries, and environmental finishers that highlight his improvisational style. IOI has described the flow as “breathing gameplay,” alternating between creative open-ended spaces and focused narrative set pieces.
Looking Ahead
007 First Light marks IO Interactive’s first foray into the James Bond universe, with the studio choosing to focus on a younger Bond before his MI6 years. For a deeper dive into its design philosophy and character direction, see our detailed 007 First Light preview from Gamescom 2025.
With the release date now confirmed, players can mark their calendars for March 27, 2026 as Bond officially returns to gaming.
