IO Interactive has announced that their highly anticipated James Bond title, 007 First Light, will follow a live-service content model reminiscent of their successful Hitman: World of Assassination franchise. The single-player reimagining of 007's origin story, 007 First Light, is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC in 2026.

Marking IO Interactive's first venture with an external IP since their independence from Square Enix in 2017, 007 First Light represents a significant milestone for the studio. Their partnership with Amazon MGM brings the iconic spy to life through IO's distinctive gameplay vision, while maintaining creative control over Bond's characterization.

CEO Hakan Abrak confirmed in an interview with The Game Business that the studio will apply lessons learned from Hitman's 75-million-player success to Bond's world. "We're creating a complete narrative experience at launch," Abrak stated, "while planning to expand the universe through regular mission updates that maintain the game's longevity."

While drawing from Hitman's live-service framework, 007 First Light will distinguish itself through more action-oriented gameplay. The cinematic trailer hints at kinetic challenges that differentiate it from Agent 47's methodical approach, promising a fresh take on stealth-action mechanics tailored for 007's signature style.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version addresses previous technical limitations with cloud-based Hitman implementations, as IO Interactive seeks to deliver proper portable play. Steam Deck compatibility remains unconfirmed, reflecting the studio's focus on optimizing for each platform's capabilities.