IO Interactive and MGM Studios unveiled the first gameplay deep dive for the upcoming action-adventure game, 007 First Light. In addition to the gameplay footage that was shown during today's dedicated PlayStation State of Play, the studios involved also announced a release date of March 27, 2025. 007 First Light is headed to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, Steam, and Epic.
Of course, the release date announcement coincides with the opening for pre-orders. All those that pre-order 007 First Light will get a free bump to the Deluxe Edition, which grants 24-hours of advanced access, in-game skins, and outfits.
Patrick Gibson (Dexter: Original Sin, The OA) announced the ensemble cast of voice and motion capture actors for 007 First Light, confirming that he will portray James Bond in the game. Classic 007 characters, such as M (Priyanga Burford), Q (Alastair Mackenzie), and Miss Moneypenny (Kiera Lester), will also feature, alongside new ones, including Bond's mentor, John Greenway (Lennie James - Fear the Walking Dead, Save Me), and Miss Roth (Noemie Nakai).
At the core of 007 First Light’s gameplay is the Creative Approach. Using its expertise in the spy fantasy genre, IO Interactive developed a Bond experience that allows players to take on objectives using different sets of skills, from pure stealth, direct action, or using a bit of both with some improvisation:
"With 007 First Light, we’re building a wholly original James Bond experience from the ground up, one that blends the sharp tension of espionage with the bold spectacle the franchise is known for," said Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive. "The gameplay is rooted in our signature approach to immersive design, combining stealth, action, and creativity in a way that feels uniquely tailored to Bond."
Alongside the freedom of Creative Approach, 007 First Light delivers the bold, cinematic set-pieces that define the Bond franchise. As shown during the gameplay deep dive, players will experience thrilling, gripping moments such as high-speed chases, breathtaking shootouts, battling enemies aboard a hacked airplane, and being thrown out into the open sky. These showstoppers are handcrafted to capture the danger, elegance, and spectacle of Bond’s world, while showcasing his evolution into an elite agent capable of handling every challenge that he is presented with.
- Spycraft ensures that stealth and observation are just as powerful as any weapon in Bond’s arsenal. From eavesdropping on key conversations and pickpocketing vital items, to inspecting the environment for hidden clues and gathering critical information, these mechanics open new pathways and opportunities in every mission.
- Instinct is a signature gameplay feature in 007 First Light, giving players a versatile resource to turn the tide in any situation. Bond can use his instincts to lure enemies into vulnerable positions, bluff his way out of suspicion when discovered, or sharpen his focus for greater precision and power in combat. This mechanic captures Bond’s quick thinking and adaptability, allowing players to respond to changing circumstances with style and control.
- Gadgets from Q Branch are a core part of Bond’s toolkit in 007 First Light, woven directly into moment-to-moment gameplay. From hacking and cutting locks to creating distractions or incapacitating targets, these versatile tools open up new possibilities for stealth, misdirection, and tactical improvisation in any mission. Players will unlock new gadgets as they progress through the missions, which will expand their loadout and strategies to deal with the challenges they will have to face.
- Combat in 007 First Light is designed to be fast, fluid, and true to Bond’s character, blending precision ranged shooting, visceral and impactful melee encounters, and a unique escalation system that reflects his measured use of force. In close quarters, Bond can deliver dynamic takedowns, throws, and parries that feel weighty and cinematic, often using the environment to his advantage. When enemies escalate to lethal force, Bond is granted his License to Kill, unlocking his expert marksmanship with firearms that can be seamlessly integrated into the flow of action. This interplay between ranged and melee combat, which integrates Bond’s gadgets, ensures every confrontation feels personal, responsive, and grounded in the 007 fantasy.
"With 007 First Light, we’re building a wholly original James Bond experience from the ground up, one that blends the sharp tension of espionage with the bold spectacle the franchise is known for," said Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive. "The gameplay is rooted in our signature approach to immersive design, combining stealth, action, and creativity in a way that feels uniquely tailored to Bond."
Alongside the freedom of Creative Approach, 007 First Light delivers the bold, cinematic set-pieces that define the Bond franchise. As shown during the gameplay deep dive, players will experience thrilling, gripping moments such as high-speed chases, breathtaking shootouts, battling enemies aboard a hacked airplane, and being thrown out into the open sky. These showstoppers are handcrafted to capture the danger, elegance, and spectacle of Bond’s world, while showcasing his evolution into an elite agent capable of handling every challenge that he is presented with.
There is also a $300 Legacy Edition. This includes the game, all Deluxe Edition content, an exclusive Golden Gun weapon skin, Obisidan Gold Suit, a Golden Gun figurine with stand and secret compartment, a certificate of authenticity, and a Steel Case with magnet.
