007: First Light
News, coverage and analysis tracking 007: First Light across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Round Up: The Previews Are In For 007: First Light
Previews for the upcoming James Bond game, 007: First Light, have been released, with the game set to launch on May 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. A Nintendo Switch release is planned for "later this summer." While some previews praise IO Interactive's systems-driven approach and tone, others express concerns about the depiction of James Bond himself, finding the character too young and chatty.
007 First Light Doesn’t Use Generative AI, as Art Director Says “Beware of Utopia”
IO Interactive has confirmed that its upcoming game, 007 First Light, does not utilize generative AI in its development, despite its plot exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and defense companies. Art director Rasmus Poulsen stated that the team engaged in extensive discussions regarding the use of AI. The game, which serves as a new origin story for James Bond, is set to launch on May 27th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
How 007 First Light's Quips and Quick Wits Make Bond Stand Apart from Agent 47
Narrative director Martin Emborg explains how IO Interactive is translating James Bond's signature wit and charm into gameplay mechanics for 007 First Light. The focus is on making Bond's unique approach to espionage a core part of the player experience, differentiating him from other stealth characters like Agent 47.
Something for the Bank Holiday Weekend – 02/05/26
This week's gaming news includes the early access release date for Subnautica 2, Star Wars: Galactic Racer's October launch, and the shutdown of developer Spiders. Several games received high review scores, including TerraTech Legion and Ground Zero, while previews covered titles like 007: First Light and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Switch 2.
'The Origins of 007 First Light' explores the upcoming Bond game's creation
Shacknews documentary creators Greg Burke and another interviewer traveled to Los Angeles to discuss the creation of the upcoming James Bond game, 007 First Light. The interview focused on the origins and development process of the title.
20 upcoming video games I’m more interested in than GTA 6 - Reader's Feature
A reader explains their lack of interest in Grand Theft Auto 6, detailing 20 upcoming games they are more excited about. The list includes titles like Forza Horizon 6, Marvel's Wolverine, and Fable, spanning various genres and platforms.
Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 540: Surviving Saros
The Official PlayStation Podcast episode 540 features an interview with actor Rahul Kohli and Housemarque's Creative Director Gregory Loudeni discussing the launch of Saros. The episode also covers updates for Arc Raiders, boss design for 4:Loop, impressions of The Blood of Dawnwalker, a gameplay reveal for NBA The Run, and a hands-on preview of 007: First Light.
Hear me out: What if James Bond just shouldn't be in videogames?
This opinion piece questions whether James Bond is a suitable protagonist for modern video games, despite the classic status of GoldenEye 007. The author argues that the character's suave demeanor and one-liners, which work well in short film formats, can become tiresome over the longer duration of a game, especially when player actions break the illusion of the character's unflappability.
Two More High-Profile Games Say No To GenAI
Developers IO Interactive have confirmed that their upcoming James Bond title, 007: First Light, will not utilize generative AI technologies. This decision follows a similar stance from the developers of Subnautica 2, indicating a growing trend among studios to avoid AI in game creation.
The new PC games of May 2026: Forza, 007 First Light, and early access games galore
May 2026 is set to bring a variety of new PC game releases, including major titles like Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light, alongside numerous early access titles. Notable early access games include Dead as Disco, Paralives, and Shift at Midnight. The month also features significant updates for live service games such as Phasmophobia and Path of Exile 2.
Monthly Video Game Releases: May 1st to 29th | Console Creatures
Console Creatures provides a comprehensive list of video game releases scheduled for May 2026 across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and other platforms. The article details full game launches, DLC, expansions, demos, and early access titles, along with a preview of June 2026 releases.
007 First Light isn't about mowing down hundreds of dudes because "it's important that every encounter feels crunchy and dangerous," says developer
IO Interactive's Rasmus Poulsen discusses the design philosophy behind the upcoming James Bond game, 007 First Light, emphasizing a focus on dangerous, 'crunchy' encounters and a 'timeless' aesthetic. The game aims to capture the essence of a young James Bond venturing into espionage, with an intro sequence featuring a Lana Del Rey track that plays on the theme of light and shadow. 007 First Light is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X on May 27, with a Nintendo Switch version to follow.
007 First Light's Controller Doesn't Match The Iconic Barrel Design And Wasn't Meant To
The PlayStation 5 controller for 007 First Light features a design inspired by the game's UI and 'Sun' flavor, rather than the iconic James Bond gun barrel logo. Art director Rasmus Poulsen explained that the straight lines reference the sun, tying into the game's title, and the golden finish pays tribute to the series' elegance. The game is set to release on May 27 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch version to follow.
007 First Light art director says the limited edition Dualsense controller was inspired by a 'light' theme, not the inside of a gun barrel — 'What we were trying to do with that was reference more how the UI of the game feels'
007 First Light art director Rasmus Poulsen clarified that the limited-edition DualSense controller's design was inspired by the game's UI and 'light and shadow' themes, not directly from a gun barrel. Poulsen stated the straight lines were intended to reference the game's interface and the 'Sun' flavor of the title, rather than a literal interpretation of the iconic James Bond opening sequence.
What We Played – Tides of Tomorrow, TerraTech Legion & Adorable Adventures
Several individuals share their recent gaming experiences, including Overwatch, Alien: Rogue Incursion, TerraTech Legion, Final Fantasy VII Remake Integrade, and Hitman 3's Freelancer Mode. Other titles mentioned include Adorable Adventures, Moomintroll Winter's Warmth, Tides of Tomorrow, Ghost Master, Starfield, and various games on the AYN Thor handheld like .hack//Infection and Super Alloy Crush.
007 First Light pre-order & editions guide
This guide details the pre-order bonuses and different editions available for the upcoming game 007 First Light. Players can receive special in-game content by pre-ordering specific editions of the new James Bond title.
007 First Light lets players blast enemies with a watch laser, shoot darts from a spy phone, and more — 'Pretty much all of our gadgets are usable in combat' developer says
007 First Light will allow players to utilize a variety of spy gadgets, including a watch laser and missile pen, in combat encounters. Senior combat designer Tom Marcham highlighted how these tools seamlessly integrate into the fighting style, offering players significant freedom in approaching enemies. The game is set to launch on May 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch version to follow.
007 First Light Gets Rocky Start With Early Player Reviews | HappyGamer
Early player reviews for IO Interactive's highly anticipated game 007 First Light are mixed, with some comparing it unfavorably to Hitman: Absolution. Concerns have been raised about potential linearity and excessive hand-holding, reminiscent of the studio's past missteps. While IO Interactive has a strong track record with the Hitman World of Assassination trilogy, these initial impressions suggest the studio might be repeating past mistakes in its approach to the Bond title.
007: First Light’s Stealth, Action, Set-Pieces and Gadgets Detailed in Hands-On Preview
A hands-on preview of 007: First Light details its blend of stealth, action, and gadgets, set to release on May 27th for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The game's story begins with James Bond in the Royal Navy before he is recruited by MI6 to retrieve a mysterious item, involving infiltration and intense chase sequences. Early missions showcase stealth mechanics, the Q Lens gadget for enemy detection and hacking, a laser watch, and a melee combat system, alongside social stealth elements in a London gala setting.
007 First Light could be a magnificent reinvention of the Bond IP
The article discusses the potential for '007 First Light' to be a significant reinvention of the James Bond intellectual property. It suggests that the game could offer a fresh take on the iconic spy franchise.