IO Interactive has delayed its ambitious James Bond game 007: First Light, moving the release from March 27 to May 27, 2026. The studio says the extra two months will be spent "further polish[ing] and refin[ing] the experience," noting the game is already playable from start to finish.
The move is small on the calendar but significant in context. May 27 was the date Rockstar had previously set for Grand Theft Auto VI before Rockstar pushed GTA6 into the autumn; IOI’s new slot effectively snaps up the gap left by one of gaming’s biggest tentpoles. Beyond the calendar shuffle, IOI frames this as a quality-first decision from an independent studio that wants a strong day-one showing.
What IOI told players
In a statement posted by the developer, IOI reiterated that 007: First Light is its "most ambitious project to date," promising globe-trotting action, spycraft, gadgets, car chases and open-ended missions that lean on the studio's Hitman pedigree. The team emphasized the build is fully playable from beginning to end and that the extra time will help ensure a polished launch and long-term success.
The developer also thanked fans for their patience and said further updates will arrive in early 2026.
Who's involved and what to expect
007: First Light reimagines Bond as a younger, more reckless recruit — a twenty-something version of the spy who hasn’t yet become the unflappable agent audiences know. Patrick Gibson (seen recently in Dexter: Original Sin) voices Bond. The cast includes Lennie James as John Greenway, Priyanga Burford as M, Alastair Mackenzie as Q, Kiera Lester as Moneypenny, and Noémie Nakai as Ms. Roth. Grammy winner Lenny Kravitz was revealed at The Game Awards as a villainous presence in the story.
Early previews and demos showcased IOI’s blend of sandbox infiltration — familiar to Hitman players — with Bond’s social and set-piece spectacle. Developers describe levels that "breathe": pockets of open-ended problem solving punctuated by high-energy chases and scripted encounters. Confirmed platforms are PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo’s next console, Switch 2.
That Switch 2 support arrives at a moment when Nintendo is enjoying strong momentum for the platform, which has been a bright spot for third-party releases and may influence multi-platform rollouts in 2026. (/news/nintendo-switch-2-sales-surge)
For players who mix consoles and PC, IOI’s focus on polish should be welcome; alongside big-console launches, platform-specific conveniences like streaming and background-download improvements continue to shape how people buy and play. For example, recent updates let the PlayStation Portal stream your PS5 library more reliably, while handheld PC users have seen power-saving download modes land on devices like the Steam Deck. (/news/playstation-portal-cloud-streaming-update) (/news/steam-deck-display-off-downloads)
Preorders, editions and price points
IOI is already accepting preorders. A standard edition was listed at $69.99 and comes with an automatic upgrade to the deluxe edition for early purchasers, which includes cosmetic items and 24-hour early access to the digital download. For collectors, a special edition priced at $299.99 bundles physical goodies such as a Golden Gun figurine, steelcase, certificate of authenticity and several in-game cosmetics.
If you’re shopping for a new console ahead of launch season, the PlayStation 5 remains the primary platform for many — the PlayStation 5 Pro console is one option if you’re considering an upgrade (PlayStation 5 Pro Console).
Why this matters
Delays in this window have ripple effects: marketing plans shift, publisher calendars re-balance, and retailers adjust promotions. For IOI, taking time to polish a high-profile licensed title is a defensible gamble — Bond fans have high expectations, and a smooth launch helps shape long-term player engagement.
The game will now arrive on May 27, 2026. IOI promises more updates in early 2026; until then, expect trailers, developer deep-dives and promotional events to fill the gap.