007 First Light delayed — IOI pushes launch to May

• Key Takeaways:
• IO Interactive has delayed James Bond game 007 First Light from March to May 27, 2026.
• IOI says the game is playable end-to-end; the extra two months are for polish and quality.
• The studio calls First Light its "most ambitious project to date" and confirms features like action, gadgets, car chases and globe-trotting locations.
• Trailer reveals Lenny Kravitz as a villain; official statement posted on Bluesky by IOI.

Delay confirmed

IO Interactive (IOI) announced a two-month delay for 007 First Light, moving the launch from March 2026 to May 27, 2026. The studio framed the change as a quality decision made by an independent developer and publisher.

Why IOI is pausing the launch

CEO Hakan Abrak said in the studio statement that 007 First Light is "our most ambitious project to date," and that the additional time will be used to further polish and refine the experience. He emphasized the team’s focus on delivering "an unforgettable James Bond experience" with action, spycraft, gadgets and car chases.

You can read IOI’s post here: https://bsky.app/profile/007game.ioi.dk/post/3mao7ytthlk2t

Where the game stands

IOI says the game is progressing well and is "fully playable from beginning to end," which indicates core systems and campaign flow are in place. The delay is therefore positioned as a refinement phase rather than a fix for fundamental issues.

Platforms and scope

007 First Light is confirmed for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2. IOI has long signaled ambitions to blend its Hitman pedigree with larger-scale set pieces and narrative-driven Bond elements.

Trailer, cast and early impressions

A recent trailer — including the reveal of musician and actor Lenny Kravitz as a villain — debuted at The Game Awards. The trailer is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w4E0ZlhgFU

Early previews have been positive. One preview described the title as "so much more than Hitman," suggesting IOI aims for a hybrid of stealth, action-adventure and cinematic spectacle.

What to expect next

With a firm release date now set, IOI’s next public milestones will likely include deeper gameplay reveals, multiplayer details if any, and marketing leading into May. The two-month window is short enough to keep momentum but long enough to improve visual fidelity, bug fixes and level polish.

Fans and observers should look for developer updates from IOI and further footage ahead of the May 27, 2026 launch.