007 First Light: Io Interactive reveals title and details for upcoming James Bond game

The long-anticipated James Bond video game from Hitman developer Io Interactive now has an official title: 007 First Light. Revealed on June 2, 2025, the announcement was accompanied by new key art and a cryptic tease of what’s to come, ahead of a promised full world premiere during this year’s Summer Game Fest.

The artwork reveals a few tantalizing visual details about Io’s take on the iconic British spy. Unlike the famously bald and expressionless Agent 47 from the Hitman series, this version of James Bond sports neatly parted hair and a stylish high-collared leather jacket — a subtle yet significant departure from the studio’s usual minimalist protagonist. Clutching what appears to be a gun, this silhouette of Bond suggests a grittier but perhaps more traditional espionage figure, though the developers have left open the possibility that this could just be part of an elaborate misdirection — a nod to the genre’s love of disguise and deception.

While the full gameplay and storyline remain under wraps, we do know that 007 First Light is designed as a prequel. The game will focus on Bond’s early years, with the tagline “earn the number” hinting at his journey to becoming the legendary 007. Importantly, this incarnation of James Bond will not be modeled after any of the actors from the films — meaning no likenesses of Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, or Daniel Craig will be involved. This creative decision frees Io Interactive to craft an original narrative and characterization without being bound by cinematic continuity.

The game represents an ambitious departure for the studio, which has earned acclaim for the stealth-heavy, open-ended assassination gameplay of the Hitman franchise. While stealth will presumably remain a key element, the Bond universe presents a different kind of challenge: one of glamour, espionage, and high-tech gadgetry, where murder via explosive rubber duck is less on-brand. In teasing the project, Io suggests they are “rediscovering new sides of the agent fantasy,” which could mean exploring gameplay that blends stealth with action, spycraft, and puzzle-solving in more narrative-driven scenarios.

In fact, 007 First Light may lean into the retro spy thrills that defined the earlier Bond films, before the series took on a more grounded, emotionally complex tone in the Daniel Craig era. If so, it opens the door for a game filled with outlandish gadgets, exotic global locations, and eccentric villains — all within a sleek, high-stakes world of Cold War intrigue. This approach would play well to Io’s strength in crafting elaborate set pieces and layered mission design, albeit with a new set of creative constraints and opportunities.

The game’s full unveiling is expected later this week at Summer Game Fest 2025, where Io Interactive has promised to share “never-before-seen footage.” Fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see how the studio will translate its unique design philosophy — known for open-ended problem-solving and immersive environments — into the more cinematic, story-driven mold of the James Bond franchise.

While much remains speculative, 007 First Light is already generating buzz for its bold creative direction and the pedigree of its developers. If the game lives up to its promise, it could mark a new golden era for James Bond in gaming — one where the espionage fantasy gets the stylish, modern treatment it deserves.