IO Interactive says 007: First Light takes inspiration from Daniel Craig’s gritty Bond films, portraying a young, imperfect James Bond learning his craft through grounded combat, choice-driven gameplay, and cinematic storytelling.
007: First Light’s combat and tone is heavily inspired by the Daniel Craig era of James Bond films.
Speaking with Edge Magazine, IO Interactive’s team explained that their young Bond wouldn’t start out as a flawless spy, but rather a grounded, ambitious recruit.
Creative director Hakan Abrak explained the studio “didn’t want to create this superman from day one” with their Bond, “where he’s on top of the world, and he’s hardened and seasoned, and he’s had his heartbreaks and now he’s hidden behind this iron armor”.
He added: “That’s not necessarily interesting.”
Narrative and cinematic director Martin Emborg emphasised 007: First Light would be different to other on-screen Bonds, particularly with 1962’s Dr. No.
He said: “It is pretty insane that Dr No starts … and he’s just fully formed.
“He’s winning at baccarat against a beautiful woman, who wants nothing more than to have him take her home.
“He’s drinking, and he’s just kind of bored. This is just another Thursday for him. It’s wish-fulfilment at its maximum, right? But it’s not very relatable.”
The studio revealed that the game’s action is designed to reflect the hand-to-hand intensity and improvisational feel of Craig’s Bond films, like Casino Royale and Skyfall.
007: First Light launches in March 2026 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
The action-adventure, revealed during Sony’s State of Play, follows a 26-year-old Royal Navy airman whose bravery earns him recruitment into MI6 and the newly revived 00 Section.
007: First Light devs say game’s combat is inspired by Daniel Craig James Bond movies
