James Bond will return in the new game, just not in March

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

James Bond has survived villains, volcano lairs, and the collapse of physical media, but even 007 can’t dodge a release delay. 

IO Interactive has officially pushed its upcoming James Bond game, 007 First Light, from March to May 27, 2026. 

That’s a two-month slip, which in video game time is basically a polite cough.

According to IO, the game is already “fully playable from beginning to end,” which is developer-speak for “it works, but we want it to be really good.” 

The extra time is going toward polish and refinement, tightening screws, smoothing animations, and making sure Bond looks cool while doing things like running, shooting, and probably adjusting a cufflink mid-explosion. 

More updates are promised early next year, presumably once everyone has recovered from staring at the same build for months.

An important update regarding the release date of 007 First Light. pic.twitter.com/DLej5bLxun

— 007 First Light (@007GameIOI) December 23, 2025

For anyone who hasn’t been paying attention, this is a big deal. 007 First Light is the first James Bond game in over a decade, and it’s coming from the studio behind the Hitman series. 

That pedigree alone has fans whispering dangerous phrases like “best Bond game since GoldenEye 007.”

From what’s been shown so far, the game looks fast, stylish, and heavy on spycraft, less mindless shooting, more sneaking, gadgets, and bad decisions in expensive locations. 

The story is original but pulls from across decades of Bond lore. 

Narrative director Martin Emborg says this version of Bond is younger and less experienced, which conveniently lines up with the direction Amazon seems to be eyeing for the film franchise.

The cast is surprisingly stacked. 

Patrick Gibson steps into the tux as Bond himself, while Lenny Kravitz plays the main villain, an inspired choice if you enjoy stylish antagonists with intimidating energy. 

Supporting roles include Lennie James, Kiera Lester, Alastair Mackenzie, and Priyanga Burford.

With the next Bond film still a big question mark, this delay-stretched game may end up being the franchise’s next major moment.