IO Interactive Delays 007: First Light to May 2026
(Image credit: IO Interactive)
IO Interactive has decided to push back the release of 007: First Light by two months, now slated for May 27, 2026. Sharing this news on Bluesky, the Hitman developers emphasized the need for additional time to refine the game before its launch. “007: First Light is our most ambitious project to date,” the studio stated. “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. 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.”
In their update, IO reassured fans that “the game is progressing well and is playable from beginning to end” but simply requires a little more time in the oven.
It’s certainly tough to wait an extra eight weeks for something as anticipated as this, but our early insights on 007: First Light suggest that the third-person adventure will be more than worth the wait. As GR’s Ali Jones noted in a preview, “From what I’ve seen so far, IO doesn’t completely nail that down every single time, but where it does stumble it’s an issue with the format rather than an issue with the delivery itself. If that minor quibble is the only one the studio faces, then my faith in 007: First Light seems well-placed—this could prove to be the perfect Bond game.”