IO Interactive has finally unveiled more details about their highly anticipated game, Project 007. Discover what we know about this upcoming title based on the iconic spy, James Bond.
A Younger James Bond Takes Center Stage in Project 007
IO Interactive's Ambitious Trilogy Plan for Project 007
The creators of the acclaimed Hitman series, IO Interactive, are tackling one of cinema's most legendary figures: James Bond. Their upcoming game, Project 007, is envisioned as more than a single adventure; IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak aims for it to launch a brand-new trilogy, revitalizing the Bond universe for a new generation of players.
Since its November 19, 2020 announcement, Project 007 has generated considerable excitement. How would the stealth masters behind Hitman translate their expertise to a Bond game? In an October 16 interview with IGN, Abrak revealed the game's impressive progress and hinted at a unique approach: introducing players to a younger James Bond, before he became the iconic 007.
"The exciting part is creating an original story," Abrak told IGN. "With such rich tradition and history...to work on this with the Bond family, creating a young Bond for gamers, a Bond gamers can call their own and grow with, is incredibly exciting."
Abrak emphasized the studio's two-decade-long preparation for this project. IO Interactive's expertise in crafting immersive, stealth-focused experiences in Hitman will undoubtedly influence Project 007.
However, James Bond presents a unique challenge. This marks IO Interactive's first foray into an external intellectual property (IP), unlike their in-house creations. "James Bond is a massive IP, not ours," Abrak acknowledged. "I hope we create something that defines James Bond in gaming for years to come," he added, expressing the goal of creating "a universe for gamers to own for many years, growing alongside the Bond in the films."
Abrak's vision extends beyond a single game; he envisions Project 007 as the cornerstone of a trilogy. "It's not a movie gamification," Abrak clarified. "It's a completely original story, hopefully the start of a major trilogy." This mirrors the success of IO Interactive's Hitman series, which followed Agent 47 across three critically acclaimed installments.
Everything We Know About Project 007
Project 007 Story
While the specifics of Project 007's narrative remain undisclosed, key details have emerged. The official website confirms "a wholly original Bond story," where players "step into the shoes of the world’s favorite Secret Agent to earn their 00 status in the very first James Bond origin story."
Confirmed in an IGN interview, the game features an original story unconnected to any film portrayal of Bond. In a 2023 interview with Edge Magazine, Abrak noted that this Bond will have "a tone closer to Daniel Craig than Roger Moore." Project 007 will depict a younger Bond, in his early days as a secret agent, before his transformation into the sophisticated spy we know.
Project 007 Gameplay
Details on gameplay are scarce, but Abrak's 2023 Edge Magazine interview offered a clue: "Breadcrumbs suggest… a more scripted experience than Hitman's freeform jaunts," he revealed. "It’s been pitched as ‘the ultimate spycraft fantasy,’ suggesting gadgets—and perhaps a step away from Agent 47’s murderous objectives."
The game will likely be a third-person action experience, as suggested by IO Interactive job listings. PlayStation Universe reported in July 2021 that listings highlighted "sandbox storytelling" and "cutting-edge AI," hinting at a dynamic, open-ended mission approach similar to Hitman.
Project 007 Release Date
A release date remains unannounced, but anticipation is high, fueled by IO Interactive's positive progress updates. Abrak's enthusiasm is palpable: "I don’t have an update today, but believe me, I’m eager to share more soon… It was a small teaser, not much information, but exciting things are coming. We're very excited, and we'll share more when ready."
