The showcase delivered over 30 minutes of gameplay, revealing missions, mechanics, and even a look at the cast behind this reimagined Bond. The event also came with a big piece of news: 007 First Light is set to release on March 27, 2026. It’s launching across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Alongside the gameplay reveal, IO Interactive confirmed that Patrick Gibson will portray James Bond. He’s joined by Priyanga Burford as M, Alastair Mackenzie as Q, and Kiera Lester as Moneypenny. New characters were also announced, including Bond’s mentor John Greenway, played by Lennie James, and Miss Roth, played by Noemie Nakai.
From stealthy infiltrations to explosive action, the State of Play deep dive showed Bond in action across different missions. With new gameplay, and cinematic set pieces, IO Interactive has set the stage for one of 2026’s biggest releases.
Espionage in Action
The showcase highlighted two missions that gave a clear sense of what IO Interactive is aiming for in 007 First Light. First up was Bond’s very first mission in the game, set during a high-stakes chess tournament in Slovakia. What begins as an undercover assignment soon escalates into a dramatic showdown high above the ground. After that, the showcase moved to London, where Bond infiltrated a lavish gala in Kensington. This mission showed how you’ll need to blend into the crowd, listen in on conversations for intel, and look for openings in security to move forward. Both missions highlighted the mix of stealth, social infiltration, and high-energy combat that IO Interactive is aiming for.
Those missions also gave a closer look at the systems that define the game. At the centre of the design is the Creative Approach system. The system lets you choose how to complete objectives. You can slip through unnoticed, confront enemies directly, or adjust on the fly when plans fall apart. The goal is to make each method feel natural, so every mission has multiple ways to play.
Tools of the Trade
Bond’s abilities are grouped into several areas. Spycraft covers stealth skills like listening in on conversations, lifting keycards, and spotting environmental details others might miss. Instinct acts as a resource that builds as you progress, letting you lure guards, bluff your way through suspicion, or steady your aim in combat. Gadgets from Q Branch are built into gameplay as versatile tools, and the showcase gave us a closer look at a few of them.
Bond’s signature watch can scan the environment to highlight distractions, while a laser can cut through locks or even be used offensively. A smoke device creates cover for stealth takedowns, and a dart phone can quietly incapacitate enemies, opening the door for a more charismatic escape. More gadgets unlock as the story progresses, expanding your options for tackling missions.
Combat ties it all together. Bond switches between melee and gunplay in a way that feels fluid. Fights aren’t just about punches and gunfire either. The footage showed Bond using the environment for takedowns, tossing enemies around, and countering attacks with parries. When things get serious, the License to Kill mechanic kicks in, letting him lean into firearms without slowing down. On top of that, the game throws in big cinematic moments, from high-speed car chases to mid-air battles that look straight out of a Bond movie.
Meet the Cast
A new Bond means a new face, and 007 First Light introduces Patrick Gibson in the lead role. You may recognize him from Dexter: Original Sin or The OA. But here he’s stepping into the shoes of one of the most iconic characters in entertainment. Seeing Gibson carry Bond’s origin story gives the game a clear identity that sets it apart from past interpretations.
IO Interactive didn’t stop there. The showcase also revealed a strong supporting cast drawn from both familiar Bond lore and brand-new characters. Priyanga Burford takes on the role of M, while Alastair Mackenzie plays Q and Kiera Lester steps in as Moneypenny. For longtime fans, having these familiar figures present makes the world feel instantly recognizable.
There are some new faces too. Lennie James brings Bond’s mentor John Greenway to life, adding a guiding presence during his early days as an agent. Noemie Nakai also joins the cast as Miss Roth, a new character who hints at the wider intrigue in IO’s take on the spy world. For me, this cast makes 007 First Light feel like a nod to Bond’s past while also carving out something new.
007 First Light Launches March 27, 2026
The 007 First Light State of Play gave us the clearest look yet at 007 First Light. And, it feels like IO Interactive has mapped out an ambitious take on James Bond. With a March 27, 2026 release date confirmed, the game is headed to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
The showcase featured Bond’s early missions in Slovakia and London, showing how IO blends undercover espionage with cinematic action. Personally, the Creative Approach system caught my eye. I like the idea of deciding whether to slip past guards or improvise when things go wrong.
The cast reveal was another highlight for me. Patrick Gibson stepping in as Bond feels like a bold but fitting choice. And pairing him with familiar names like Priyanga Burford as M, Alastair Mackenzie as Q, and Kiera Lester as Moneypenny instantly grounds this world in Bond tradition. Add newcomers like Lennie James as John Greenway and Noemie Nakai as Miss Roth, and you’ve got a lineup that feels both respectful of Bond’s past and ready to shake things up.
The 007 First Light State of Play made it clear that IO Interactive isn’t playing it safe. They’re building something big, and it feels like March 27, 2026 can’t come soon enough. What about you? Are you more excited for the stealth, the gadgets, or the blockbuster set pieces?
As always, remember to follow us on our social media platforms (e.g., Threads, X (Twitter), Bluesky, YouTube, and Facebook) to stay up-to-date with the latest news. This website contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission when you click on these links and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. We are an independent site, and the opinions expressed here are our own.
