IO Interactive has finally unveiled more details about their highly anticipated game, Project 007. Read on to discover more about this exciting new 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 just a single adventure. In a recent interview, IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak revealed his vision for Project 007 as the launchpad for a brand-new trilogy, revitalizing the Bond universe for a new generation of players.
Since its November 19, 2020 announcement, Project 007 has generated significant excitement. Fans eagerly await to see how the stealth and espionage expertise honed in the Hitman series will translate to the Bond franchise. In an October 16 interview with IGN, Abrak teased the game's impressive progress and revealed that it will introduce players to a younger Bond—before he became the iconic 007.
"What's exciting about this project is that we get to tell an original story," Abrak shared with IGN. "It's incredibly exciting, given the rich tradition and history… to work on this with the Bond family, creating a young Bond for gamers; a Bond that gamers can call their own and grow with."
Abrak emphasized the studio's extensive preparation, spanning over two decades. IO Interactive's mastery of immersive, stealth-focused gameplay in Hitman is expected to be a key element in Project 007.
However, James Bond presents a unique challenge. This marks IO Interactive's first foray into an external intellectual property (IP), unlike their previous in-house creations. "James Bond is a different IP. It's a huge IP. It's not our IP… I just hope we'll create something that defines James Bond in gaming for years to come," Abrak stated, adding that the aim is to build "a universe for gamers to own for many years to come, one that we can grow alongside the Bond in the films."
Abrak's ambition extends beyond a single game. He envisions Project 007 as the foundation of a compelling trilogy. "It's not a gamification of a movie," 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 captivated audiences with three critically acclaimed installments following Agent 47's global exploits.
What We Know About Project 007
Project 007 Story
While Project 007's narrative remains largely shrouded in secrecy, key details have emerged. The official website confirms a "wholly original Bond story," where players "will step into the shoes of the world’s favorite Secret Agent to earn their 00 status in the very first James Bond origin story."
It's been confirmed in an IGN interview that the game will not feature any of the actors who have portrayed Bond on screen. However, in a 2023 interview with Edge Magazine, Abrak indicated that this Bond will have "a tone closer to Daniel Craig than Roger Moore." Project 007 will depict a younger James Bond, during his formative years as a secret agent—before his transformation into the iconic, sophisticated spy we know.
Project 007 Gameplay
Concrete gameplay details remain scarce, but Abrak offered insights in a 2023 Edge Magazine interview: "The few breadcrumbs we can share suggest… a more scripted experience than Hitman's freeform adventures," Abrak revealed. "It's been described as ‘the ultimate spycraft fantasy,’ hinting at gadgets—and perhaps a departure from Agent 47's lethal objectives."
Job listings from IO Interactive suggest a third-person action experience. According to PlayStation Universe (July 2021), listings highlighted "sandbox storytelling" and "cutting-edge AI," suggesting a dynamic, open-ended approach to missions, reminiscent of the Hitman series.
Project 007 Release Date
A release date remains unannounced, but anticipation is high, fueled by IO Interactive's positive progress reports. Even Abrak expressed his enthusiasm to IGN: "I don't have an update today, but believe me, I'm eager to talk about it soon… It was a small teaser, not much information, but there's a lot of cool stuff coming. We're very excited, and we'll share more when we're ready."
