IO Interactive Delays '007 First Light' to May 2026, Reveals Lead and Villain
The release of the game '007 First Light' has been delayed from 27 March 2026 to 27 May 2026. IO Interactive, known for the Hitman series and serving as the external developer, stated that while the game is fully playable from start to finish, it requires additional time for polishing. Delphi Interactive, the co-developer, is also working on an upcoming FIFA game set to launch on Netflix ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The game features Patrick Gibson in the lead role, portraying a reimagined origin story of a 26-year-old James Bond who is recruited into MI6 and earns the iconic 00 title. This storyline is a standalone narrative separate from the films and novels.
The main villain was revealed at the Game Awards in December 2025 and is performed by musician Lenny Kravitz. IO Interactive has described '007 First Light' as its most ambitious project to date and thanked fans for their patience during the polishing process.