IO Interactive, the award-winning developer and publisher behind the globally acclaimed HITMAN franchise, and Amazon MGM Studios today released the third episode of Beyond the Light, the developer diary series offering an inside look at the making of 007 First Light.

In the third episode of Beyond the Light, IO Interactive explores the game’s narrative foundations and the team’s approach to reimagining James Bond’s origin for video games, bringing a youthful, hopeful perspective to the dangerous world of espionage. 007 First Light is set to release on May 27, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2*, and PC, and is available for pre-order, including the Collector’s Edition and Legacy Edition.

Additionally, players who pre-order 007 First Light will get upgraded to the 007 First Light – Deluxe Edition for free, granting 24-hour Early Access**, as well as exclusive in-game items and outfits.

In this episode, Main Writer Michael Vogt shares how the story for 007 First Light is crafted, starting with classic screenwriting fundamentals like structure, character arcs, and theme, then translating that outline into an interactive experience built in close collaboration with level design.

He explains how a young Bond shapes the tone of the world of 007 First Light: it’s not cynical or jaded, but adventurous and inviting because this Bond is stepping into espionage for the first time, and eager to prove himself.

The episode also dives into what defines Bond as a character and in 007 First Light: charisma, audacity, coolness under pressure, and resourcefulness that audiences expect, alongside traits that feel fresher for this reimagined origin story, such as idealism.

007 First Light is scheduled to launch on May 27, 2026, pre-order now and get a free deluxe upgrade. All details can be found at https://ioi.dk/007firstlightgame.