Last Updated on Sep 10, 2025 @ 17:32:28 PM.
IO Interactive finally gave the world a deep dive look at what they’ve been cooking up with 007 First Light, but at the back end of August, select media were invited to see it early at Gamescom, and also speak to some of those responsible for bringing this all-new James Bond into our hands. During a lengthy discussion with Rasmus Poulsen, the Franchise Art Director on 007 First Light, the discussion turned towards some of the more unsavoury aspects of the James Bond character, primarily his alcoholism and womanising, traits which, in recent years especially, have drawn criticisms for being ‘outdated’.
When I asked if IO Interactive had taken any steps or pivoted away from those particular traits of Bond in their own representation of such a storied and well-known/loved character, Poulsen’s eloquent answer gave some insight into what we can expect from the character in 007 First Light, coming March 27th, 2026:
“I think some of these words are more dramatic than I think the process is. What we did is, we looked at the entire 60-year era of the IP, and really dived deep into the description by Fleming, right? About having a guy that isn’t traditionally handsome and has a dark streak to him, a danger to him. Of course, the scar which we’ve employed as well. So these character traits, Bond is front foot, he’s a problem solver, he lives dangerously, and of course, his sharp British wit. How that is expressed throughout the times has certainly changed, as you know, it should. With that in mind, we’ve orchestrated a version of these traits that we feel feels appropriate for us.”
He continued, focusing on the team around him:
“On the team, we have our narrative director, is leading a talented team of women and men in the writing team who write these characters and the engagements, and the powerful women we have in and around Bond, that will give him… what’s the word? In Danish, we say ‘counterplay’, that he deserves, because any great hero needs people on his side, against him as well with a certain prowess, with a certain energy. So regardless of gender, it’s important for us that we have people around him that can push him, and because we don’t have a singular dogma in the company, we will have these discussions ‘lively’ whenever we portray Bond.”
While his words were chosen carefully, similar to his response to accusations of the game being a Hitman reskin, it’s interesting to see the lengths the developers are going to, both to ensure accuracy, but also to make 007 First Light ‘their’ James Bond, and one for the modern age. At least for now, we have a new James Bond to look forward to, one that we can sink our teeth into while Amazon and MGM figure out the cinematic future of the character.
For more Thumb Wars coverage, check some other Gamescom coverage, including Phantom Blade 0 being the potential Game of the Year in 2026, or how Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds could be a Mario Kart contender.
Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!
