Amazon Says IO Interactive Is the Best Choice for a 007 First Light Sequel
Amazon has softened its previous comments about potentially moving future James Bond games away from IO Interactive, with Amazon Games general manager Jeff Gattis now acknowledging that the Danish studio is likely the strongest choice to develop a sequel to 007 First Light.
Speaking with GamesIndustry, Gattis clarified that Amazon has not selected a developer or publisher for another Bond game. He said formal sequel discussions have not yet taken place between Amazon and IO Interactive, although the strong commercial reception of 007 First Light makes another entry increasingly realistic.
"Given the success of this one, I think you probably want IOI developing it."
— Quote by: Jeff Gattis
The comments represent a more supportive position than Gattis previously expressed. He had earlier said that future Bond games would be handled by MGM and potentially Amazon Game Studios, creating concern that IO Interactive could lose control of the series after establishing its new gameplay foundation.
Amazon later clarified that it owns the rights to future James Bond games but has not decided who will develop them. IO Interactive was able to develop and publish 007 First Light because its original agreement was completed before Amazon gained creative control of the wider Bond franchise. Amazon maintains a financial interest in the current game, while IO Interactive remains responsible for its development and publishing.
The uncertainty became more controversial after 007 First Light sold 1.5 million copies during its first day and reached 2.7 million copies within its opening week. IO Interactive chief executive officer Hakan Abrak described the performance as exceeding the studio’s expectations, although the game had not completely recovered its investment because of marketing expenses, royalties, and other partnership obligations.
Gattis also addressed the possibility of Amazon acquiring IO Interactive. He said anything is theoretically possible but confirmed that no acquisition discussions are currently taking place. IO Interactive has operated independently since completing a management buyout from Square Enix in 2017.
Amazon’s broader gaming strategy focuses on connecting games with television, films, merchandise, and Prime Video. The company has presented Tomb Raider as an example, with games including Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst supporting a wider entertainment ecosystem built around Lara Croft. James Bond could follow a similar model, allowing Amazon to connect future games with films, streaming content, merchandise, and Luna.
Keeping IO Interactive involved is the most strategically sensible option. The studio has already spent years developing the technology, mission structure, characters, and creative direction behind 007 First Light. Moving the sequel to another developer would introduce unnecessary production risk while discarding the expertise responsible for the first game’s success.
Amazon publishing the next game while IO Interactive continues development could provide a practical compromise. Amazon would gain greater control over the franchise and its wider entertainment strategy, while IO Interactive would retain the creative and technical continuity players expect.
Nothing has been officially signed, but Amazon’s position is becoming clearer. A sequel appears likely, and IO Interactive is once again being publicly recognized as the logical studio to create it.
Should IO Interactive remain the permanent developer of James Bond games, or should Amazon eventually give another studio an opportunity?
