IO Interactive Unveils Project 007: A Young Bond Trilogy in the Making

IO Interactive, renowned for the Hitman series, has shed more light on their ambitious Project 007. This upcoming game will feature a younger James Bond, before he became the iconic 007 agent. Read on to discover more about this exciting new project.

A New Bond Origin Story: Project 007 and its Trilogy Ambitions

Project 007 isn't just a single game; IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak envisions it as the launchpad for a brand-new trilogy. This original Bond story aims to revitalize the franchise for a new generation of gamers, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved spy.

Since its November 2020 announcement, speculation has been rife about how IO Interactive's stealth expertise would translate to a Bond game. Abrak recently confirmed to IGN that development is progressing exceptionally well, and players will experience Bond's early years, before his 00 status. This original story allows players to forge their own connection with a younger Bond, shaping his journey.

"The thrill of this project lies in crafting an original narrative," Abrak explained to IGN. "It's incredibly exciting to build upon the rich history and tradition of James Bond, collaborating to create a young Bond for gamers—a Bond they can call their own and grow alongside."

Abrak emphasized the studio's two-decade-long preparation for this project. IO Interactive's mastery of immersive, stealth-focused gameplay, honed through the Hitman series, will undoubtedly influence Project 007. However, adapting an established IP like James Bond presents unique challenges. This marks IO Interactive's first foray into an external intellectual property, a significant departure from their in-house creations.

"James Bond is a monumental IP, unlike anything we've handled before," Abrak stated. "Our aspiration is to create a defining James Bond gaming experience for years to come, building a universe gamers can own and nurture alongside the Bond seen in the films."

The vision extends beyond a single game. Abrak confirms Project 007 as the cornerstone of a planned trilogy, emphasizing its distinct identity. "It's not a mere adaptation of a film," Abrak clarified. "It's a completely original story, laying the groundwork for a potentially expansive trilogy." This mirrors the success of IO Interactive's Hitman trilogy, which established Agent 47 as a compelling character across multiple critically acclaimed titles.

What We Know About Project 007

Project 007's Narrative

While the storyline remains largely confidential, the official website confirms a wholly original Bond narrative. Players will embody the iconic secret agent, earning their 00 status in a unique origin story. Importantly, it’s been confirmed that this game will not be connected to any previous film iterations of James Bond. In a 2023 interview with Edge Magazine, Abrak hinted that the tone will lean closer to Daniel Craig's portrayal than Roger Moore's.

Project 007's Gameplay

Specific gameplay details are scarce. Abrak revealed to Edge Magazine in 2023 that the experience will be "more scripted" than Hitman's open-ended style. He described it as "the ultimate spycraft fantasy," suggesting gadgets and a departure from Agent 47's lethal missions. Job listings from IO Interactive point towards a third-person action game with "sandbox storytelling" and advanced AI, hinting at dynamic mission approaches akin to Hitman.

Project 007's Release Date

A release date remains unannounced, but IO Interactive's positive development updates fuel anticipation. Abrak's enthusiasm is palpable: "I can't offer a concrete update today, but believe me, we're eager to share more soon. We have exciting things to reveal, and we'll unveil them when the time is right."