IO Interactive, the developer and publisher, has announced a two-month delay for 007 First Light, citing the need for “further polish.”
Originally scheduled for March 27, 2026, the James Bond adventure game will now launch on May 27, 2026. In an online statement, IOI explained that the delay aims to ensure the delivery of “the strongest possible version at launch.”
Notably, the new release date for 007 First Light is only one day after Grand Theft Auto 6 was previously set to launch, prior to its most recent delay to November 19, 2026. This means IOI has effectively claimed the release window vacated by Rockstar’s highly anticipated title.
Previously, 007 First Light was believed to benefit from an earlier GTA 6 delay, as it was then scheduled to release two months before GTA 6’s former date. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, IOI CEO Hakan Abrak discussed GTA 6’s initial shift creating more space for the Bond game.
Abrak commented, “It would be a lie not to say that obviously spring looks really good.” He also added, “GTA 6 is a welcome thing for the industry. A lot of gamers who maybe haven’t played for a while will get into things again, and generally for the industry as a whole, that will be amazing.”
The ongoing delays for GTA 6 appear to have provided IO Interactive with additional flexibility, which the studio has utilized to ensure 007 First Light has the strongest possible launch.
