Amazon Games GM Clarifies 007 First Light Sequel Comments as IO Interactive Remains in the Conversation

Amazon Games general manager Jeff Gattis is trying to clear up confusion around the future of 007 First Light, after previous comments raised questions about whether IO Interactive would remain involved in a potential sequel.

The situation around 007 First Light became more complicated because of timing. IO Interactive originally secured the James Bond game deal before Amazon took control of the broader James Bond IP through MGM. That meant 007 First Light continued forward without major interference, even though the larger franchise ownership structure changed while the game was already in development.

Now that 007 First Light is out and performing well, the question has shifted from whether the game could release to whether IO Interactive will return for another entry. The uncertainty started after Gattis previously explained that Amazon Games did not make 007 First Light and did not hold the full rights to that specific IO deal.

"We did not make 007 First Light. We do have a stake in it because we now own the IP, but that IP acquisition happened after the First Light IO deal was already done. We didn't have the full rights to this First Light James Bond game, but sequels will be done by MGM and, theoretically, by Amazon Game Studios."
— Jeff Gattis

That statement led many fans to wonder whether Amazon was preparing to move future Bond games away from IO Interactive. Given IO’s strong reputation for the Hitman series and the positive reception around 007 First Light, that possibility naturally created concern among players who see the studio as a strong fit for James Bond.

IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak helped calm some of those worries by saying it is "very possible" that the IOI team could return for another First Light game. Now, Gattis has gone further by clarifying that his earlier comments were not meant to confirm Amazon Game Studios as the publisher of a sequel, nor were they meant to rule IO Interactive out.

"First of all, let me set the record straight for you. I did not confirm that Amazon Game Studios is publishing the next one. Did not say that. So unfortunately, it got picked up, and once it runs, it runs. No, IO's been great. They've been great partners. In fact, I was over there visiting them in Copenhagen a couple of months ago. The game's doing great. Let's let the game breathe and have its day."
— Jeff Gattis

That clarification suggests the future of 007 in games is still open. Amazon has the IP power through MGM, IO Interactive has the successful game foundation, and both sides appear willing to continue discussions. However, Gattis made it clear that the immediate priority is allowing 007 First Light to stand on its own before turning the conversation fully toward a sequel.

Gattis also framed the future around market demand, saying that if players continue showing interest, another game is likely.

"Trust that we're going to be smart about this. I mean, it's market appetite. As long as we feel there's a desire for players to have the game, it's safe to say it's going to be made."
— Jeff Gattis

That statement is optimistic, but some players may still view it with caution. Amazon Games recently shut down New World, despite the MMO having regained some momentum before the decision. Because of that, fans may want more concrete confirmation before fully trusting that commercial interest alone will guarantee a sequel.

When asked more directly whether 007 First Light’s commercial performance was already enough to justify another game, Gattis ended with a more confident answer.

"Seems like a sequel should be made."
— Jeff Gattis

That does not count as an official announcement, but it does make the direction clearer. Amazon is not denying interest in another Bond game. IO Interactive has not been pushed out publicly. The current message is that nothing is locked yet, but the door remains open.

From a business perspective, continuing with IO Interactive would make sense. 007 First Light already gives Amazon and MGM a modern gaming foundation for James Bond, while IO brings proven expertise in stealth, social infiltration, player choice, disguises, mission structure, and stylish espionage design. Those are exactly the areas where a Bond game needs to feel confident.

The larger entertainment strategy also matters. Gattis previously emphasized Amazon’s interest in games that can support and connect with its broader film and TV ambitions for Prime Video. Since more James Bond films are expected, a strong game franchise could become an important part of Amazon’s wider Bond strategy.

For now, the best reading is that 007 First Light has earned a serious sequel conversation, but no final deal has been announced. Gattis’ latest comments mainly correct the idea that Amazon already confirmed it would take the next game away from IO Interactive. Instead, the message is more measured: IO has been a strong partner, the game is performing well, and Amazon wants to let the current release breathe before making the next move.

That may not be the sequel confirmation fans wanted, but it is a far better signal than the earlier confusion suggested.

Would you want IO Interactive to return for the next James Bond game, or should Amazon Games take 007 in a different direction?