007 First Light Launches March 2026, Gameplay Showcase Reveals Espionage and Spectacle
IO Interactive has officially announced that its highly anticipated James Bond game, 007 First Light, will launch on March 27, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The reveal came at the close of the latest PlayStation State of Play, which featured an extended gameplay showcase and confirmed the long-speculated release date. PlayStation Blog provided further details following the event.
The presentation began with a full playthrough of an early level shown without commentary, highlighting the cinematic quality and immersion of the environments. This was followed by a mission walkthrough with developer commentary from IO Interactive, offering insights into how the game’s systems support multiple approaches. True to the studio’s design philosophy, objectives can be completed through stealth, action, or creative improvisation, giving players freedom in how they embody James Bond.
IO Interactive also confirmed the cast, with Patrick Gibson (Dexter: Original Sin) taking on the role of James Bond. The developers emphasized that 007 First Light is not based on any existing Bond film but is instead an original story built from the ground up to define a new era for the character in gaming.
Alongside the release date and gameplay showcase, details of the Collector’s Edition were revealed. Priced at $300, it includes:
A copy of the game with Deluxe Edition digital upgrades
A Golden Gun weapon skin
A Golden Gun figurine with a display stand and secret compartment
A magnetic steel case
A certificate of authenticity
IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak outlined the studio’s vision in a press release: “With 007 First Light, we’re building a wholly original James Bond experience from the ground up, one that blends the sharp tension of espionage with the bold spectacle the franchise is known for. The gameplay is rooted in our signature approach to immersive design, combining stealth, action, and creativity in a way that feels uniquely tailored to Bond.”
As the first major James Bond video game in more than a decade, 007 First Light carries significant expectations. Its blend of espionage, immersive design, and cinematic storytelling positions it as a defining title for both Bond fans and stealth-action enthusiasts.
Do you think IO Interactive’s original take on Bond will surpass the legacy of past 007 games like GoldenEye and Everything or Nothing?
