007 First Light Reveals Opening 13 Minutes, Distinct from Hitman

IO Interactive has unveiled the first 13 minutes of gameplay from 007 First Light, the upcoming James Bond game set to launch on May 27. The footage introduces a 26-year-old Bond before his official induction into MI6, establishing the game as a fresh narrative rather than a derivative of the Hitman series.

The opening mission, titled "Against the Odds," features Bond as a Royal Navy air crewman portrayed by Patrick Gibson, known for his role in Dexter: Original Sin. The sequence begins with a helicopter crash near Iceland, where Bond survives and encounters a hostage crisis orchestrated by a criminal group. Throughout the mission, players witness Bond's improvisational skills as he navigates the situation until MI6 agents intervene, completing the mission and recruiting him into the agency. This setup serves as a literal origin story for the character.

Gameplay Variety and Structure

The released footage highlights a blend of gameplay styles including stealth, hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, and vehicle pursuits. The mission design alternates between linear segments and more open environments that encourage player experimentation. This approach indicates a departure from IO Interactive's Hitman sandbox formula, aiming for a distinct experience in the Bond universe.

Filling a Longstanding Gap in Bond Gaming

007 First Light marks the first major James Bond console game since the 2012 release of 007 Legends, which underperformed and left the franchise without a significant gaming presence for over a decade. Developed by the Danish-Swedish studio IO Interactive under Amazon MGM Studios, the game benefits from the studio's expertise in stealth-action gameplay established through the modern Hitman trilogy. This pedigree has contributed to heightened expectations for the title.

The decision to release official gameplay footage followed reports of early embargo breaches by several outlets that posted unedited videos and full playthroughs. IO Interactive aimed to provide fans with a controlled preview of the game before spoilers could proliferate further.

Pricing, Editions, and Platform Availability

The standard edition of 007 First Light is priced at $69.99 / £59.99 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Pre-orders include a complimentary upgrade to the Deluxe Edition, which offers four outfits inspired by the films and grants 24-hour early access, allowing pre-order customers to play starting May 26. Additionally, a Collector's Edition is available at select retailers for $299.99 / £199.99, according to the PlayStation UK Store.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version has been postponed to the third quarter of 2026 and will not be available at the game's initial release.

With no new Splinter Cell game announced and few comparable spy-action titles expected soon, 007 First Light is positioned as a leading release in its genre for the summer.