The first 13 minutes of 007 First Light have leaked online ahead of the game’s May 27 launch. The footage gives players an early look at IO Interactive’s new take on James Bond, focusing on a younger and less experienced version of the spy.
Instead of introducing Bond as a polished agent, the game starts before he earns his ‘00’ status. The leaked gameplay shows him going through early MI6 operations while learning field tactics, stealth, and combat. The tone feels closer to a grounded spy thriller than the over-the-top action seen in some earlier Bond games.
IO Interactive’s influence is visible throughout the footage. The studio has carried over several mechanics from the Hitman series, including stealth paths, silent takedowns, environmental interactions, and mission flexibility.
The opening mission moves between stealth gameplay and scripted action sequences without slowing down. Bond sneaks through guarded areas, engages in hand-to-hand combat, and escapes through fast-paced chase scenes. Gadgets and surveillance tools also appear early in the gameplay.
The game’s structure looks more cinematic than Hitman, with a heavier focus on story-driven moments and character interactions. Driving sections and larger action set pieces suggest IO Interactive wants 007 First Light to appeal beyond stealth fans.
Online reactions to the leak have been mostly positive. Many players said the opening feels like a proper Bond introduction instead of a tutorial stretched into a mission. Others pointed out similarities to franchises like Uncharted and Splinter Cell.
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The leak comes during growing criticism surrounding the PC version of the game. IO Interactive recently confirmed that 007 First Light will include Denuvo anti-tamper DRM at launch.
Some PC players raised concerns about possible performance issues and online verification requirements. A section of Steam users also criticized the late announcement, arguing that the DRM decision should have been disclosed earlier.
Despite the backlash, anticipation around the game remains strong. 007 First Light is one of the biggest releases of the month and marks the first major James Bond title in years. The game launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on May 27. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is expected later this year.