Our Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes with 007 First Light at Gamescom

An Invitation to the Inner Circle

We was invited to check out 007 First Light during our time at Gamescom as we arrived at Gamescom’s hidden studio just off the buzzing halls, badge in hand and anticipation at its peak. Bastion and IO Interactive rolled out a red carpet moment for me and a handful of press, granting The Gamer Guide’s coverage team an exclusive 30-minute deep dive. No live stream, no filtered trailers, just uncut footage and candid dev commentary, the very same demo later aired during PlayStation’s State of Play.

Setting the Stage: Atmosphere and Opening Sequence

Stepping inside, I was greeted by a dimly lit space lined with a cinema sized screen and MI6-branded set dressing. IO Interactive’s leads stood ready, poised to guide me through Bond’s first mission. As the Jaguar XJ engine roared to life on screen, I felt the polished hum of its V8, mirroring the adrenaline I knew audiences would share when they saw this on State of Play.

The 30-Minute Mission Breakdown

007 First Light opens with Bond undercover in a luxury carpark, setting the tone for IO Interactive’s cinematic sandbox approach. The mission escalates from quiet observation to a high-altitude escape, showcasing layered environments, dynamic NPCs, and the instinct meter’s slow-motion precision. Gadgets like the laser watch and signal scrambler are woven seamlessly into gameplay, allowing for stealth, bluffing, and improvisation. The map’s verticality and reactive design reward exploration, turning every corridor into a tactical opportunity.

Later missions teased in the deep dive—like the icy Slovakia chess tournament and the opulent London gala—offer distinct tonal shifts. Slovakia emphasizes survival and environmental manipulation, with blizzards, ridgelines, and hidden shafts shaping stealth routes. London leans into social deception, with Bond charming guests, bluffing security, and navigating secret passages behind embassy walls. Each map supports multiple playstyles, blending Hitman’s freedom with Uncharted’s cinematic momentum, all while tracking Bond’s evolution from recruit to legend.

Bastion’s PR Masterstroke

Witnessing the fence-to-fence demo firsthand did not allow me to capture high-quality screenshots and audio bites however the team provided these on their end. Bastion timed my debrief questions so that quotes and clips could sync perfectly with PlayStation’s State of Play release. The result? My article went live moments after the broadcast, ensuring The Gamer Guide led coverage rather than followed it.

Early Impressions and Audience Impact

Seeing this demo live, I felt IO Interactive successfully fused Hitman-style freedom with Bond’s cinematic flair. The community chat lit up as fans spotted the same EMP cufflink gadget and alpine sequence they’d just seen online. My immediate takeaway: this game will redefine how we experience espionage, giving players agency in set-piece moments rather than scripting every move.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for First Light

IO Interactive teased upcoming developer diaries on AI behavior tweaks and narrative branching, content I’ll be tracking for The Gamer Guide. With a 2026 launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Switch 2, expect more hands-

on previews at upcoming expos. I can’t wait to see how these early mechanics evolve into fully fledged missions.

I’ll keep you posted with every behind-closed-doors reveal as they drop. Next stop: an in-depth hardware test of Bond’s signature gadgets at Tokyo Game Show. Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss what’s coming.

007 First Light is set to launch on March 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Players who pre-order the standard digital edition (priced at £59.99/$69.99) will automatically receive the Deluxe Edition at no extra cost, which includes 24 hours of early access and a Deluxe Upgrade bundle featuring four exclusive outfits, one new weapon skin, and the Gleaming Gadget Skin Pack. For fans seeking the ultimate collector’s package, IO Interactive is offering a physical-only Legacy Edition for £259.99/€299.99/$299.99; it contains everything in the Deluxe Edition plus exclusive weapon and outfit skins, a golden gun figurine with stand and secret compartment, a certificate of authenticity, and a magnetic steel case—all housed in a premium collector’s box.

For a deeper dive into 007 First Light’s world, please see the full in-depth trailer below. It captures every standout moment—from the Alpine car chase through the gala infiltration to the high-tension escape sequences—showcasing the game’s signature gadgets, environments, and cinematic flair. Watch the trailer to experience Bond’s first mission in all its detail and let us know which highlight you’re most excited to replay live.