First light 007 will be launched in May 2026
IO Interactive has announced a two-month delay for the release of 007 First Light, the upcoming James Bond game and the studio's first original Bond game. The game will release on May 27, 2026, rather than before its planned release date of March 27.
The update was posted on social media by IO Interactive CEO Hakan Arbak, who called 007 First Light the studio's most ambitious project to date. He explained that “This decision allows us to ensure that the game delivers the level of quality that players deserve from day one.”
According to Arbak, the game's development is going smoothly. 007 First Light is already playable from start to finish, indicating that the core structure and systems are firmly in place. He said there would be additional development time “allows us to further refine and improve this experience.” You can read the full statement below:
IO Interactive is popular for its work on killer and 007 First Light mark a big step forward for the studio. The goal of the game is to offer a fresh take on James Bond, focusing on a younger version of the iconic spy and telling an original story created specifically for the interactive environment.
The announcement of the delay comes on the heels of the game's latest trailer, which was unveiled at The Game Awards 2025. The trailer introduced viewers to Bavma, a new character played by musician Lenny Kravitz. Earlier this month, the team also shared their first dev diary titled “Beyond the Light Episode 1'. It showcased the gameplay as well as the reimagined origin of James Bond.
While the delay may be disappointing for fans looking to step into the shoes of Bond, IO Interactive's statement suggests that the extra time will help deliver a more refined and complete experience at launch.
