Fans of Britain’s most iconic spy will need to exercise a little more patience. James Bond 007 First Light, the upcoming action-adventure title from Hitman developer IO Interactive, has been officially delayed by two months.
The game was originally scheduled to release on March 27, 2026, but will now arrive on May 27, 2026, the studio confirmed.
While delays often raise concern among players, IO Interactive has been clear that this decision is about polish rather than problems.
Why has James Bond 007 First Light been delayed?
According to IO Interactive, the delay is designed to ensure the final product meets expectations tied to both the James Bond brand and modern gaming standards.
In a statement released by the studio, CEO Hakan Abrak explained that the extra development time would allow the team to fine-tune the experience ahead of launch.
Hakan Abrak, CEO, IO Interactive: “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.”
An important update regarding the release date of 007 First Light. pic.twitter.com/DLej5bLxun
— 007 First Light (@007GameIOI) December 23, 2025
Abrak added that as an independent developer and publisher, IO Interactive felt it was important not to rush such a high-profile release.
“This decision allows us to ensure the experience meets the level of quality you players deserve on day one.”
Is the game facing development issues?
IO Interactive has been keen to reassure players that James Bond 007 First Light is already fully playable from beginning to end. This suggests the delay is not due to unfinished content, but rather a final round of refinement.
Abrak described the additional time as an opportunity to polish performance, improve stability, and strengthen the overall presentation.
Hakan Abrak: “These additional two months will allow us to further polish and refine the experience, ensuring we deliver the strongest possible version at launch.”
In an industry where rushed launches often lead to day-one patches and player frustration, this approach is likely to be welcomed by many UK gamers.
How significant is the delay for players?
In practical terms, the delay is relatively modest. A two-month shift is small compared to the year-long postponements seen across the games industry in recent years.
The revised release timeline now looks like this:
| Planned release | Revised release | Delay |
|---|---|---|
| 27 March 2026 | 27 May 2026 | 2 months |
For players, this means waiting slightly longer but potentially receiving a smoother, more polished experience at launch.
What kind of James Bond game is 007 First Light?
James Bond 007 First Light is IO Interactive’s first original Bond story and is not tied to any existing film. Instead, it aims to reinterpret the character through the studio’s own design philosophy, shaped by its work on the Hitman series.
The game promises a mix of stealth, action, and cinematic spectacle, combining classic Bond elements such as spy gadgets, international locations, and high-speed car chases with modern gameplay systems.
IO Interactive has described it as a globe-trotting spy adventure that balances player freedom with storytelling.
When was the game last shown to the public?
The most recent look at 007 First Light came during The Game Awards 2025, where a new trailer offered further insight into the game’s tone and characters.
One of the biggest surprises was the reveal that Lenny Kravitz will appear as the game’s villain, a casting choice that quickly sparked conversation among fans.
