'007 First Light'. Credit: IO Interactive

James Bond game ‘007: First Light’ delayed until May 2026

Extra time is needed for “polish”

by · NME

Ambitious new James Bond game 007: First Light has been delayed by two months and will now launch in May 2026.

007: First Light had been set for launch on March 27, 2026 but will now be released May 27.

According to IO Interactive’s Hakan Abrak, the game can currently be played from beginning to end without issue, but the additional two months will let the team “further polish and refine the experience” to ensure they deliver the “strongest possible version at launch”.

“We’re confident this sets 007: First Light up for long-term success, and we sincerely appreciate the patience and support we’ve received ever since we revealed the game,” he added.

“007: First Light is our most ambitious project to date, and the team has been fully focused on delivering an unforgettable James Bond experience, bringing together breathtaking action, globe-trotting, spycraft, gadgets, car chases and more,”continued the statement. “As an independent developer and publisher, this decision allows us to ensure the experience meets the level of quality you players deserve on day one.”

007: First Light is the first new James Bond game since the divisive 2012 first-person shooter 007 Legends and follows a young James Bond (played by Patrick Gibson) as he completes a series of missions to earn his license to kill.

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“In 007: First Light, Bond starts as a Navy air crewman, when against all odds, an audacious act of bravery propels him on MI6’s most challenging training program,” reads the game’s description. “This training coupled with his natural instinct, wits, and heart will see him grow into a fully-fledged spy.”

The game will also star Priyanga Burford (M), Alastair Mackenzie (Q) and Kiera Lester (Miss Moneypenny) while a crop of new characters will also be introduced including Noemie Nakia’s Miss Roth and Lennie James’ John Greenway, who’s described as Bond’s mentor.

Late last year it was confirmed that Lenny Kravitz will be playing The Pirate King, Bawma. The “charismatic and unpredictable leader of a powerful black-market arms network” will, according to a press release, “blur the line between ally and adversary in Bond’s journey.”

“The Bond franchise has such an incredible legacy in video games, so to step into it with a brand-new character like Bawma is amazing,” said Kravitz. “He’s magnetic and unpredictable, there’s danger in him, but also heart and purpose. He’s not just a man with power; he is a man who has to fight for every inch of it. Bringing that energy into 007’s world felt incredible.”

007: First Light is set to launch May 27, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC.

In other news, Stranger Things creators The Duffer Brothers have revealed season five of the Netflix hit was inspired by Resident Evil, Silent Hill and Metal Gear Solid video games.