While the first trailer showcasing gameplay for 007: First Light indicated that there might be an emphasis on action in the upcoming game, IO Interactive’s franchise director, Jonathan Lacaille, has explained that there will be more to the gameplay in the upcoming James Bond title.
In an interview with GamesRadar, Lacaille spoke about the studio wanting to strike a balance between the action parts of 007: First Light with the more open-ended systems-based gameplay like the Hitman games.
“It’s either or,” Lacaille said, referring to action-packed gameplay and Hitman-styled systemic gameplay. “IOI has a pedigree, and that fits really well on IP, so we are leaning into that, of course. But that would not tell the full story of who Bond is.”
“We are leaning a lot on what IOI does best, but we had to come up with a lot of new things that IOI had to learn and to reiterate on to really bring the full Bond experience,” Lacaille continued. “For instance, driving, not done that before, and we’re doing that now.”
Lacaille also spoke about 007: First Light offers some contrast from Hitman in its more action-packed gameplay. Where pulling out a gun and getting into a shootout is considered a “failing condition” in Hitman, 007: First Light will allow players more freedom to not only take on epic gun fights, but also to come up with other solutions that might make players “feel as smart as Bond”.
“Shooting usually was a failing condition in Hitman, and here it’s a big part of the game,” explained Lacaille. “We don’t want the game to just go by shooting and shooting and shooting. So we want to give the player a lot of tools to feel as smart as Bond in the game.”
Gameplay for 007: First Light was shown off just last week through a trailer that gave us a look at some of the weapons and gadgets that players – as James Bond – will have access to. The trailer also revealed that the game will be coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2026.
When it comes to the story, Hitman level designer Martin Ansdal revealed earlier this week that 007: First Light will tell a completely new story set in an original universe. He also noted that IO Interactive didn’t have any plans for a crossover between the upcoming game and the long line of James Bond movies.
“What you saw from First Light, it’s a completely original Bond and a completely original universe,” said Andsal. “I think they want, really, to design a Bond for video games, and that has to be a distinct and separate universe. So there’s no plans for crossover.”
As for other forms of crossovers, Andsal also noted that a character like Casino Royale antagonist Le Chiffre couldn’t exist in 007: First Light. He can, however, easily pop up in a Hitman game as one of its Elusive Targets. “You can have Mads Mikkelsen as a guest star in the World of Assassination, but it’s important to state that does not imply a larger, shared thing,” he said.
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