007 First Light: James Bond’s Return to Gaming Pushed to May 2026
A New Chapter for James Bond Gaming
The wait for the next James Bond video game adventure just got a bit longer. IO Interactive has delayed 007 First Light from its previously planned March 27, 2026 release date to May 27, 2026. This highly anticipated action-adventure title represents a significant milestone for the James Bond franchise, marking the first major game release since 2012’s 007 Legends.
007 First Light is an upcoming action-adventure video game developed and published by IO Interactive. Based on the James Bond franchise, it will tell an original narrative inspired by the novels and short stories by Ian Fleming, and the film series starring the character. The game promises to deliver a fresh take on the world’s most famous spy, offering players the chance to experience Bond’s formative years in MI6.
Why the Delay?
007 First Light is IO Interactive’s most ambitious project to date, and the team has been fully focused on delivering an unforgettable James Bond experience, bringing together breathtaking action, globe-trotting, spycraft, gadgets, car chases, and more. As an independent developer and publisher, this decision allows them to ensure the experience meets the level of quality players deserve on day one.
The game is progressing well and is fully playable from beginning to end, so these additional two months will allow the studio to further polish and refine the experience, ensuring they deliver the strongest possible version at launch. For fans eagerly awaiting the game, this extra development time should result in a more polished and immersive Bond experience.
An Origin Story Worth Waiting For
Described as an origin story for the character, the game will follow a young James Bond (Patrick Gibson), who will be portrayed as a 26-year-old, an inexperienced MI6 agent, who is tasked with a mission that, when completed successfully, will grant him his 00 status. After a heroic act, young Naval air crewman James Bond is offered to join the newly revived Double 0 program. But when a mission to stop a rogue agent ends in tragedy, he must join forces with his reluctant mentor Greenway to expose a deep conspiracy and stop a looming coup at the heart of the State.
The game features an impressive cast, with Grammy Award-winning artist Lenny Kravitz starring alongside reimagined versions of classic Bond characters including M, Q, and Miss Moneypenny. Players can expect to embark on globe-trotting missions, drive iconic vehicles, and utilize cutting-edge gadgets whilst choosing their own approach to each situation—whether through stealth, combat, or cunning.
What This Means for Gamers
The May 2026 release positions 007 First Light as a major summer blockbuster for the gaming industry. The James Bond game will now release on May 27, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. For those who pre-order, the wait will be sweetened with exclusive bonuses including early access and deluxe edition upgrades.
As IO Interactive—the acclaimed studio behind the Hitman franchise—prepares to deliver their most ambitious project yet, the two-month delay signals their commitment to quality. For James Bond fans and gaming enthusiasts alike, this delay should ultimately mean a more refined, cinematic experience worthy of the 007 name when the game finally launches in late spring 2026.