IO Interactive releases first 13 minutes of 007 First Light after leak

IO Interactive released the first 13 minutes of the opening mission of 007 First Light on May 24, a day after footage leaked online and was removed ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}. The official clip shows James Bond’s helicopter being shot down, followed by a stealth mission through wet, rocky terrain ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}. The developer posted a statement saying, "Since a few users got hold of the disc early, watch the first 13 minutes of the opening mission in 007 First Light, as intended on day 1. Spoilers ahead, so if you'd rather save it for the in-game experience, best steer clear!" ^[2].

The game features a younger James Bond portrayed by Irish actor Patrick Gibson ^[1]. IO Interactive senior combat designer Tom Marcham said, "People having differing opinions about a James Bond: that's great. Everyone has their favourite Bond. If we made a Bond where no one had any opinions on them, it would be the dullest Bond ever made. So the fact that we've got a little controversy on that, I think it's a good thing." ^[1].

007 First Light is set to launch worldwide on May 27 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}. Pre-order players will receive early access starting May 26, though sources differ on whether this early access starts a day before or simultaneously with pre-orders ^{[1, 2, 5]}. A version for the Nintendo Switch 2 is planned for release later ^[2].

This is the first non-mobile James Bond game in 14 years since 007 Legends ^[3]. The game's stealth and climbing mechanics have drawn comparisons to Metal Gear Solid V and Tomb Raider/Uncharted, blending tense and low-key gameplay with action-adventure elements ^{[1, 2, 4, 5]}. Some reviewers note that the opening mission's tone is darker and more subdued than previous trailers suggested. While some sources describe the tone as tense and atmospheric, others criticize it as gloomy and generic compared to traditional Bond openings ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}.

The official launch on May 27 will be followed by full player access across supported platforms, with early access starting May 26 for pre-order customers.