007 First Light Is A Bold Bet That Just Might Pay Off

007 First Light dominated the video game news headlines when it was revealed by IO Interactive earlier this week. Described as a story-driven third-person action-adventure game highlighting a reimagined origin story of the most iconic world spy, it’s easy to understand why there is so much universal excitement for this project.

Last night, I attended the IOI Showcase at The Hollywood Roosevelt and walked away with one particular thought on my mind. 007 First Light looks spectacular and is a bold bet by IO Interactive that has all the makings of paying off big time. Here are a few reasons why I already have confidence in this game.

Strong Studio Pedigree

For the last 25 years, IO Interactive’s name has been synonymous with the Hitman franchise. The showcase proved that the Danish-based studio will always hold this franchise in high regard and continue to support it with new content and multiple ways to experience Agent 47’s vast world of assassination in all its bloody glory.

This long-standing commitment to a single IP also proves they are more than capable of taking a risk on a new project. They are experts at developing immersive stealth games, which means that they are perfectly suited to take on this new assignment with James Bond. While First Light will be more action-heavy, it will be interesting to see how they can expand on their knowledge to deliver an exhilarating experience. It will also be interesting to see if there will be multiple ways to execute high-profile targets, as that freedom of choice is one of many reasons why Hitman is awesome.

A Unique Original Story And Cast

The reimagined concept is one of the most interesting aspects of this project. The premise revolves around how James Bond earned the 007 name. Casting Patrick Gibson (Dexter Morgan from Dexter: Original Sin) as our lead hero was a brilliant move, as he is young enough to grow with the character should they decide to do sequels in the future. We also got a quick glimpse of the cast, including James Bond’s recruiter, played by Lennie James (Morgan from The Walking Dead).

While fans can expect other notable characters, such as Moneypenny and Q, to play a role in the story, there is a ton of excitement in seeing how IO chooses to portray these characters. The way they have assembled this memorable cast is nothing short of remarkable and proves they have long-term goals for the franchise beyond just the origin story presented in this game.

This concludes a few of my thoughts on why 007 First Light is a bold move forward for IO Interactive that could pay off. Stay tuned for a proper gameplay reveal event later this Summer, and let us know in the comments below if you’re looking forward to this game.

007 First Light launches in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.