Sony has announced a dedicated State of Play event set for September 3, 2025, at 11 AM PT, promising over 30 minutes of in-depth gameplay footage for 007 First Light. This will mark our first substantial glimpse into the mechanics and world of IO Interactive‘s upcoming James Bond title, a project that’s been highly anticipated since its reveal.
The game is slated for release in 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, broadening its reach across every major platform. First Light will mark the end of a 13-year hiatus since the commercial flop of 007 Legends in 2012. Let’s hope this State of Play showcases a triumphant return.
The Legacy of 007 in Gaming
007 left an undeniable mark on gaming during the late 90s-early 2000s, a period often regarded as a golden age for the franchise. Standout games like GoldenEye 007 (1997) revolutionized the first-person shooter genre on consoles, introducing innovative splitscreen multiplayer that became a staple in social gaming.
Following this, The World is Not Enough (2000) built on its predecessor’s success, though it never got as much recognition. The 6th generation had titles such as Nightfire (2002) which excelled in multiplayer modes and introduced better espionage mechanics. Meanwhile, Everything or Nothing (2004) shifted to third-person action, delivering cinematic experiences that felt like interactive Bond films.
These games not only kept the spy thriller alive in interactive media but also influenced broader game design, from level structure to handling licensed adaptations, during a time when Bond’s cultural dominance extended seamlessly into video games. In later years, something was lost and the games never reached that pinnacle again, leading to the current hiatus.
A Fresh Take on James Bond
At the heart of 007 First Light is a fresh take on the legendary agent: a 26-year-old, inexperienced James Bond embarking on an origin story. This diverges from the seasoned veteran fans are accustomed to in films and past games, drawing inspiration directly from Ian Fleming’s novels. The game won’t feature the likeness of any film actor, allowing IO Interactive to craft a unique vision powered by their proprietary Glacier Engine.
IO Interactive, the studio renowned for the critically acclaimed Hitman trilogy, seems like the ideal choice to revive 007 in the modern era. Their expertise in crafting intricate, sandbox worlds with player agency has set high expectations for how they’ll adapt Bond’s suave spy antics. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing how IOI implements their signature open-ended mission structure while ensuring it feels distinctly like a Bond adventure rather than a reskinned Agent 47 escapade. I want to see high-stakes vehicle chases and explosive set pieces that give the blockbuster energy that the franchise is known for
Final Thoughts
The upcoming State of Play could prove to be a pivotal moment for the Bond gaming legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, 007 First Light could redefine spy thrillers in video games. With IO Interactive‘s expertise backing the franchise there’s a lot to look forward to when the event premieres on September 3.
