Sony has officially announced its next PlayStation State of Play event, scheduled to air very soon. This upcoming broadcast will be entirely dedicated to 007 First Light, the highly anticipated James Bond game from Hitman developer IO Interactive.
The State of Play is set for Wednesday, September 3, beginning at 11 AM PT / 2 PM ET / 7 PM BST / 8 PM CEST. Viewers can expect an extensive presentation, featuring over 30 minutes of gameplay. This includes a detailed walkthrough of Bond`s inaugural mission as an MI6 recruit. IO Interactive has stated that the gameplay will encompass a wide array of activities, from exhilarating high-speed car chases to intense on-foot stealth sequences and dynamic shootouts. Following the gameplay reveal, developers from IO Interactive will provide deeper insights into the intricate espionage mechanics. The event will be streamed on popular platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
This marks another instance where Sony provides the latest updates on the 007 First Light game, following its reveal trailer debut during the June State of Play. Sony`s historical ties with the James Bond franchise are notable; Sony Pictures long served as the film distributor, a role now transitioning to Amazon MGM Studios for future installments.
When was the last State of Play?
The most recent State of Play occurred in July, centering on Ghost of Yotei. This September event will be the fifth State of Play conducted in 2025. Here`s a quick overview of the recent broadcasts:
- State of Play February 2025 (general focus)
- State of Play April 2025 (Borderlands 4)
- State of Play June 2025 (general focus)
- State of Play July 2025 (Ghost of Yotei)
The announcement of a September PlayStation broadcast for 007 First Light was not entirely unexpected, as its existence had been previously leaked. Furthermore, a Nintendo Direct event might potentially follow on September 11 or 12.
What is 007 First Light?
007 First Light is a new James Bond game developed by IO Interactive, known for their work on the Hitman series. While numerous James Bond video games have been released over the years, including the iconic GoldenEye 007, 007 First Light stands out as the first to explore an origin story for the world-renowned character.
In 007 First Light, players will embody James Bond at the age of 26, during his tenure in the Royal Navy, before he evolves into the legendary British superspy. The narrative follows his recruitment into MI6 and eventual induction into its elite 00 section. A press release for the game described Bond`s adventures as globe-trotting, featuring encounters with allies and adversaries. Players will have agency in how they tackle challenges, whether through brute force, strategic cunning, or charming diplomacy.
The developer expressed their dedication: “We`re pouring our energy and passion for the franchise into creating a cinematic adventure that pushes the boundaries of what a James Bond game can be, while telling a fresh, new story.”
This third-person action-adventure title will feature well-known characters such as M, Q, and Moneypenny. It will also introduce new figures like John Greenway and the enigmatic Isola, alongside a fresh cast of villains.
IO Interactive plans for 007 First Light to be the beginning of a new trilogy. CEO Hakan Abrak clarified that the game will not be based on any existing Bond films. Instead, the studio has been granted the creative freedom to craft its own unique interpretation of James Bond for the game. Abrak stated, “What`s exciting about that project is that we actually got to do an original story. So it`s not a gamification of a movie. It`s completely beginning and becoming a story, hopefully for a big trilogy out there in the future. And equally important and exciting, it`s a new Bond. It`s a Bond we built from the ground up for gamers; a Bond that the gamers can call their own and grow with.”
While IO has not officially confirmed the actor portraying James Bond in First Light, fans widely speculate that Irish actor Patrick Gibson has taken on the role. Gibson is recognized for his performances in The Tudors, Shadow and Bone, and Tolkien, and most recently appeared as a young Dexter Morgan in the Dexter prequel series Original Sin. His appearance certainly fits the part, though an official confirmation is still pending.
007 First Light is slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC.