“GoldenEye 007 is great, but 007 First Light offers a broader and more immersive gameplay experience, says developer.”

IO Interactive’s senior licensing producer, Theuns Smit, has clarified that the studio’s upcoming title, 007 First Light, is charting its own course, separate from the legacy of the iconic GoldenEye 007. He emphasizes that the team is not preoccupied with the past but is instead focused on what their new game will deliver.

When it comes to games featuring the legendary secret agent, GoldenEye 007 often stands out as the benchmark. Despite the numerous Bond games released over the years, none have quite matched the acclaim of this classic.

The last entry in the 007 franchise was 007 Legends, which hit the shelves in 2012. This game made headlines for launching without a proper ending, leaving players frustrated as they awaited the release of Skyfall in theaters. Unsurprisingly, this decision was met with widespread criticism.

In a conversation with an outlet, Smit acknowledged GoldenEye 007’s status as a “fantastic game,” but he insists that 007 First Light is “something really special.” The focus for IO Interactive is on creating a unique experience rather than trying to replicate the success of the N64 classic.

“Of course, we recognize it as a fantastic game,” Smit stated regarding GoldenEye 007. “There’s a lot of nostalgia tied to it. But for us, our priority is on what we’re bringing to the table, which is essentially a third-person, story-driven action-adventure game.”

While GoldenEye 007 is celebrated for its intricate level design, 007 First Light is taking a different route by offering a more “expansive” gameplay experience. “It is a far wider and more expansive offering that we’re bringing forward,” Smit explained. “Once players get their hands on it and experience it for themselves, they’ll see that we have something really special here, and we can’t wait for you to dive in.”

This interview took place prior to the announcement that 007 First Light would be delayed by two months for additional polish, with a new release date set for May 27, 2026.

The developers have also clarified that 007 First Light is “not a role-playing game,” as it centers on James Bond’s narrative, and they have teased what players can expect from Lenny Kravitz’s villain.