James Bond is making a stylish return to video games, and this time we got our best look yet. During the recent 007 First Light State of Play, IO Interactive showcased over 30 minutes of gameplay from their upcoming third-person action-adventure built on the Glacier engine. Known for the Hitman series, the studio is bringing its expertise in stealth and creative gameplay to one of the most iconic characters in entertainment.
IO revealed 007 First Light as a bold reimagined origin story for James Bond. That reveal gave us the setup for a younger 26-year-old Bond at the start of his journey toward becoming 007. This latest showcase built on that announcement with full missions, offers a deeper look at gameplay systems, and even the cast. Seeing Bond’s first mission in action really drove home that IO is going all in with this project.
The headline news from the 007 First Light State of Play was the confirmed release date: March 27th, 2026. Even better, it’s coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. That wide release means you can play it no matter which system you’re on. You’ll still get the chance to step into the role of a young 007.
Pre-order 007 First Light and receive the Deluxe Edition content for free, which includes 4 exclusive outfits and weapon skin.
007 First Light details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Developer(s): IO Interactive
Publisher(s): IO Interactive
Genre: Action-adventure, Third-person shooter
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: Rating Pending
007 First Light gameplay highlights
The 007 First Light State of Play walked us through two missions, giving us a real taste of how IO Interactive is shaping Bond’s origin story. The first mission took place during a high-stakes chess tournament in Slovakia, where Bond goes undercover. Things soon escalate into a dramatic showdown high above the ground. The second shifted to London, where Bond infiltrated a lavish Kensington gala. Both missions showed how the game balances undercover espionage with bursts of action, making each scenario feel unpredictable.
A big focus in the showcase was the Creative Approach gameplay mechanic. This system gives you freedom in how you tackle objectives. You can move silently, blending in with the crowd and gathering intel. Or, take a more direct approach and deal with enemies head-on. Personally, I liked seeing how improvisation factored in. Having the freedom to react on the spot really feels in line with Bond’s style.
The missions also highlighted the importance of spycraft. Bond listened in on conversations for clues. Picked up keycards to open new paths, and took advantage of small details in the environment. These touches made the game feel closer to IO’s Hitman DNA while still giving it a Bond-style flair. Watching it unfold, it felt like every mission will give you options that suit different playstyles.
Gadgets and combat
No Bond story is complete without gadgets, and the 007 First Light State of Play gave us a good look at how they’ll factor into gameplay. Bond’s watch can scan environments to highlight useful details, while a laser tool lets him cut through locks or use it in more aggressive ways. We also saw a smoke device to create cover and a dart phone that can quietly take out enemies. I liked that the gadgets seemed to matter. They’re part of the flow of missions, and more open up as you go.
Combat looked just as important as stealth. Bond quickly switched between melee and gunplay, making fights feel responsive. The footage showed 007 slamming enemies into walls, tossing them aside, and countering attacks with parries. Once the stakes rose, the License to Kill mechanic kicked in, letting Bond lean on precise firearm skills without slowing down. Throw in high-speed chases and even mid-air battles, and it’s clear IO wants the action to feel just as memorable as the spycraft.
007 First Light cast reveal
The State of Play didn’t just show missions and gadgets. It also pulled back the curtain on the cast bringing this Bond story to life. Leading the way is Patrick Gibson, who you might know from Dexter: Original Sin or The OA. Here, he steps into the role of a young James Bond. Seeing him carry the origin story feels like a bold choice that helps set this version of 007 apart from past interpretations.
Familiar names from Bond’s world are here too. Priyanga Burford takes on the role of M, Alastair Mackenzie plays Q, and Kiera Lester steps in as Moneypenny. Having these classic figures present instantly grounds the story in Bond tradition, which I think longtime fans will appreciate.
There are some new faces as well. Lennie James plays Bond’s mentor John Greenway, while Noemie Nakai joins as Miss Roth. For me, this cast strikes the right balance between honouring Bond’s legacy and giving IO room to explore new stories. It feels like the kind of ensemble that can make this origin tale stand out.
Get ready for one of the most anticipated games
The 007 First Light State of Play showed just how ambitious IO Interactive’s take on Bond is shaping up to be. Between the undercover chess tournament in Slovakia, the gala infiltration in London, and the introduction of spycraft and gadgets, this origin story looks like it’s giving fans plenty of reasons to get excited.
What really stood out to me was the flexibility in how you approach missions. Being able to slip past guards, go in loud, or improvise in the middle of chaos feels true to Bond’s unpredictable world. Add in the confirmed cast and the cinematic combat sequences, and it feels like IO has found a way to mix tradition with something fresh.
007 First Light pre-order editions at Best Buy Canada
With a release date now set for March 27th, 2026, the countdown has officially begun. Remember, preorder 007 First Light now and get the Deluxe Edition for free. That upgrade comes with exclusive weapon skin, plus four outfits for Bond including Day of the Dead and Gentleman Operator.
Which part excites you most? The stealth, the gadgets, or the big set-piece action?
