IO Interactive has announced that 007: First Light has been delayed by two months to 27th May 2026.
In a classic text image announcement on social media, IOI CEO and game director Hakan Abrak writes:
“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. 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.
“The game is progressing well and is fully playable from beginning to end, so these additional two months will allow us to further polish and refine the experience, ensuring we 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 continued support we’ve received ever since we revealed the game.”
What’s a bit daft is that they only announced the previous March release date back in September, and just had a splashy cast announcement at The Game Awards, with Lenny Kravitz playing the villain Bawma. And then they’ve waited right up until Christmas Eve Eve to confirm this latest delay…
I’ve no doubt that IO are very, very thankful that GTA 6 was recently delayed to the back end of 2026, having previously been slated for 26th May 2026. Otherwise the studio would have really painted themselves into a corner with 007: First Light wanting more polish. They’re pretty lucky to now have this extra breathing room.
Head here for our wider 007: First Light preview, with insights on how they settled on James Bond’s look, brought cars, vehicles and high speed chases in alongside action set pieces and, of course, the more open stealth action style inherited from the Hitman franchise.
So… 007: First Light is coming out on 27th May 2026 across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC. The game is an Xbox Play Anywhere title, meaning you can buy it once and play across both Xbox and PC through the Microsoft Store.
Source: IO Interactive
It’s always a bit disappointing to hear about delays, but it’s great that IO Interactive is taking the time to ensure 007: First Light is the best it can be. Looking forward to seeing what they deliver in May 2026!
It’s definitely understandable to feel disappointed. However, taking the extra time could really help ensure that the game meets high expectations. It’s exciting to think about what new features or improvements they might include in that extra time!
I completely agree, and it’s great that the developers are prioritizing quality. A little extra time can lead to a more polished experience, and fans might appreciate the enhancements that come with it. Hopefully, the wait will be worth it!
Absolutely, prioritizing quality is crucial, especially for a franchise as iconic as James Bond. It will be interesting to see how this additional development time enhances the gameplay experience and storytelling. Let’s hope the wait is worth it!
I completely agree! With such a storied franchise, taking the extra time to refine the game could lead to a much richer experience. Plus, it gives fans something exciting to look forward to in 2026!
That’s a great point! The extra time can really help ensure that the game lives up to the high expectations of fans. Plus, it gives developers a chance to incorporate feedback and possibly introduce new features that can enhance the overall experience.