IO Interactive has announced that its highly anticipated James Bond video game, 007: First Light, will no longer launch on its originally planned date in March 2026. The studio says the new release date for the action-adventure title is May 27, 2026.

The delay comes as IO Interactive works to fine-tune the game ahead of launch. According to the studio, 007: First Light is already playable from start to finish, but the extra development time will be used to “polish and refine the experience” so it meets the team’s quality expectations for players on day one.

In a statement, IO Interactive’s leadership described 007: First Light as the studio’s most ambitious project yet, promising a blend of spycraft, globe-trotting missions, gadgets, car chases, and intense action sequences. The game marks IO’s first major foray into the James Bond franchise, which has been absent from major game releases for years.

Players will step into the role of a young James Bond before he earns his iconic 00 status. The narrative will trace Bond’s early missions with MI6, giving fans a chance to experience his origin story through a fresh interactive lens rather than an adaptation of a specific film.

The revised May release positions 007: First Light toward the end of the spring game calendar, giving it space to attract attention from eager fans and a broader audience. IO Interactive has also shared plans to continue rolling out updates in early 2026 as the new launch window approaches.

Platforms confirmed for the game include PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Early previews of gameplay footage have highlighted cinematic set pieces, stealth and action mechanics influenced by the studio’s Hitman heritage, and ambitious world design tailored to the Bond experience.