James Bond is officially returning to video games with 007 First Light, which launches March 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Developed by IO Interactive, the studio best known for the Hitman franchise, the game will take fans deep into the early days of the iconic spy in a story set before he earned his double-0 status.
Unlike previous Bond titles that dropped players straight into the role of the suave secret agent, First Light explores who James Bond was before his license to kill. Players will follow him from his military background in the Royal Navy to his first major assignments with MI6. The story is designed to give fans a more personal look at Bond’s growth, his choices, and the defining missions that shaped him into 007.
Adding to the excitement, Irish actor Patrick Gibson has been cast to portray the younger Bond through both voice work and motion capture. Gibson, known for his roles in The OA and Dexter: Original Sin, said he was honored to take on the iconic role and described the chance to embody Bond in the gaming world as thrilling. His casting is a generational shift for the franchise, with the studio striving to make the character relatable to longtime fans and younger audiences.
The first gameplay preview showed Bond sneaking into a Slovakian mansion under disguise, mingling at a high-class gala in Kensington, and surviving a tense car chase. IO Interactive has built the game with a strong focus on player freedom, stealth, and strategy. Much like their Hitman series, players will be able to approach missions in multiple ways, from silent infiltration to confrontation, creating a mix of spycraft and cinematic action.
IO Interactive also revealed that First Light will be the first installment in a planned trilogy. Creative director Christian Elverdam explained that the team wanted to tell Bond’s story from the ground up, asking who he was before becoming the confident secret agent audiences know. By beginning with an origin story, the developers hope to create a deeper emotional connection between players and the character.
For collectors, two pre-order options are available. The Specialist Edition includes in-game bonuses, while the Legacy Edition, priced higher, features exclusive memorabilia such as a Golden Gun figurine, a steelbook case, and a certificate of authenticity.
The announcement comes at a time when Bond fans have been eager for a fresh take in gaming. With IO Interactive’s track record in designing stealth-driven worlds and Patrick Gibson stepping into the role of a young Bond, 007 First Light is looking like one of 2026’s biggest releases.
This is going to add a depth to the story like none have before!
That’s so cool
Great!
Nice
This should be interesting…the shaping of bond. Im sure he’ll be kicking ass in his stylized way
I think this just intrigued my interest in purchasing the game.
No way?! Let’s gooooo
I cannot wait for this game to come out. I’m so excited.
I cannot wait for this game to come out. I’m so excited for it!
Haven’t seen a Bond game in a while. Hope it delivers! Looking for something to be as epic as that Golden Eye which was a N64 treasure.
Looking forward to playing this one.
Banger. Please God let this poor native boy get this new ps5
I hope they keep this is as simple and clean as Golden Eye for N64. We do not need extraneous abilities or mods. Just simple guns, simple spy elements, and a good plot.
Could this be the new movie Bond as well?
Hoping for another 007 entry that has the presence of Goldeneye.
This looks sick , enjoyed every minute of the walk through . Can’t wait to play it.
This looks sick , enjoyed every minute of the walk through . Can’t wait to play it.
This looks sick , enjoyed every minute of the walk through . Can’t wait to play it.
Looks really good – definitely want to check it out