Introducing the New James Bond: How 007 First Light Earns Its Thrilling License | Games

For those years that seem to linger without fading away—marking the conclusion of the 25th 007 film and representing Daniel Craig’s iconic portrayal of the beloved spy—there remains no successor ready to don the tuxedo, order a martini, or take the wheel of an Aston Martin. At least, it’s not yet in cinemas. However, for the first time in Bond history, audiences will encounter the new James Bond in video games before he makes his film debut.

Crafted by the Danish studio IO Interactive for the upcoming 007 First Light, the new Bond has a strikingly handsome yet doll-like appearance. His fresh face and bright blue eyes are a departure from Craig’s rugged charm, as they lean more towards a youthful innocence rather than sharp intensity. This iteration of Bond doesn’t reject these classic traits but rather embraces them. First Light serves as an origin tale, designed to redefine one of entertainment’s most enduring protagonists for a new generation of gaming fans.

“We decided to start with origins so we could explore questions like, ‘Who was James Bond as a youth, and what does it mean to be a 00 agent?’ What does it truly signify to be 007?”

Historically, most James Bond video games have leaned heavily into the shooter genre, heavily inspired by the classic 1997 Nintendo 64 title, GoldenEye 007. Despite the ongoing success of the first-person shooter genre, the 007 games saw diminishing returns, with lackluster reviews and declining sales for 2012’s 007 Legends effectively sidelining Bond’s video game career—until IO approached Eon Productions with an exceptional concept.

“There’s an exciting shootout in the film, but if we really think about it, there isn’t that much,” Elverdam remarks. Addressing the discrepancies between the film and the game became a fundamental aspect of IO’s pitch, with the intent of allowing players to embody characters outside the constraints of cinema.

This was a familiar process for IO, which, between 2016 and 2021, successfully redefined the Hitman series—a franchise centered around elite contract killers. With a remarkable awareness of what worked in the previous Hitman games (focusing on strategic planning and problem-solving rather than gratuitous violence) and discarding the elements that did not resonate (such as convoluted narratives), the results were astounding: a series of endlessly replayable puzzles that allowed players to vanish without a trace. The satirical, clever tone of Hitman: The World of Assassination became a standout hallmark for IO.

“All of these elements [from Hitman],” Elverdam mentions, “if we adapt and innovate those, we can create a true Bond experience. These innovations should encompass driving, stealth, and yes, shootouts.”

The title fits perfectly, as this game represents the first flicker of hope for a cherished franchise that has faced challenging times. Announced initially as Project 007 in November 2020, the game has persevered through Bond’s turbulent waters, a situation that began with a $8.45 billion (£6.3 billion) merger between MGM, the studio behind Bond, and Amazon in March 2022. Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson helm this family business.

In February, Broccoli and Wilson ceded creative control to Amazon as part of a major contract, effectively ending the Broccoli family’s 63-year stewardship of the Bond film franchise. Since then, Amazon has begun to outline its plans, including hiring Denis Villeneuve to direct the next installment. The world is now watching and waiting for a casting decision, eager to see what this transition means for one of cinema’s most lucrative franchises.

However, while the upcoming film unfolds, the new game possibly holds the potential to leave a lasting mark. The 007 First Light Trailer doesn’t reveal much, yet it builds excitement. It’s a montage that rekindles everything fans adore about 007—the intricate traps and gadgets reminiscent of the Roger Moore era, coupled with the formidable physical presence of Craig’s portrayal and the charming attitude that has unified all iterations of the character.

“To truly pursue high ambitions, it’s essential to examine various Bond installments, understand the essence of each, and infuse your unique perspective,” Elverdam states.

The creative director for First Light is keen to discuss Bond’s essence but remains tight-lipped regarding certain specifics of his version. For instance, the identity of the voice actor portraying Bond is still under wraps. Nevertheless, Elverdam acknowledges that due to Bond’s lasting appeal, he is a character not easily thrust into contemporary narratives.

“Each Bond represents the zeitgeist of their era, regardless of your intentions. That’s simply how it is,” he explains. “What is perceived as a threat, or desirable qualities, inevitably evolves over time.” Elverdam poses several thought-provoking questions that IO considers as they craft their rendition of Bond: When do you improvise? What does it mean to serve a king and a kingdom? Why engage in such tasks in the first place?

If Elverdam and IO adeptly address these queries, they may well establish a closer connection to the next film’s Bond than one might expect.