007 First Light aims high: the most ambitious (and expensive) game from IO so far

IO Interactive has confirmed that 007 First Light is its most expensive and ambitious project to date.

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IO Interactive has been working on its new James Bond game for years, and everything indicates that it will be their biggest bet to date. 007 First Light will not only mark a new era for the iconic British spy, but it also represents a historic investment for the Danish studio.

In a recent interview with The Game Business, IO Interactive’s CEO, Hakan Abrak, explained that the game’s development has far exceeded the combined budgets of the three Hitman games released between 2016 and 2021. Without official figures, but with compelling comparisons, it’s estimated that the combined total of Hitman, Hitman 2, and Hitman 3 was around $180 million. The new 007 First Light has already surpassed $200 million, positioning it as the most ambitious project in the studio’s history.

007 First Light surpasses the Hitman trilogy budget

According to Abrak, the production focus of 007 First Light is very different from their previous games. The title is designed with a long-term projection and a higher level of technical complexity, which has required significant investment. IO has not confirmed whether the game will feature online mode, seasons, or DLC, but they have hinted that there will be extended support after launch, which could include expansions or additional content.

IO Interactive’s bet on James Bond is, therefore, much more than a one-off adaptation: it’s a long-term vision. The studio itself had already indicated that 007 First Light will feature a completely original story, with a young Bond in his early years as an MI6 agent, with no direct connection to the current films. All of this is set in a more cinematic environment, with stealth, action, and espionage mechanics that expand on what was learned in Hitman but on a much larger scale.

007 First Light still doesn’t have a confirmed release date, but it’s expected to arrive on consoles and PC. It will be interesting to see if this massive investment translates into one of the most powerful titles of the year… or the generation.