In a significant shift for the 2026 gaming calendar, the upcoming James Bond title 007 First Light has been officially delayed by two months. Developer IO Interactive announced the move, which sees the game stepping into the high-profile release window originally earmarked for Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto VI.
A Strategic Shift in the Release Schedule
The domino effect began when Rockstar Games pushed back the launch of GTA 6 from May to November 19, 2026. This created a notable gap in the early-year schedule, which has since seen several other major titles adjust their dates. Following the recent delay of Housemarque's Saros to April 30, IO Interactive has now repositioned its flagship spy project.
In a statement posted on X, the studio confirmed 007 First Light will now arrive on May 27, 2026, a full two months later than its initial March 27 date. The game will be released simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
Polishing the Ultimate Bond Experience
IO Interactive, which operates as an independent developer and publisher, framed the decision as a commitment to quality. "007 First Light is our most ambitious project to date," the studio stated, emphasising the team's focus on delivering a complete package of action, spycraft, gadgets, and globe-trotting adventure.
The developer assured fans that the game is already fully playable from start to finish. The additional development time, they explained, is solely for "polish and refinement" to ensure the strongest possible version is available on day one. "This decision allows us to ensure the experience meets the level of quality you players deserve," the statement read.
A Less Crowded May, But a Packed February
The new launch date places 007 First Light directly in the slot GTA 6 once occupied, with its original date set for May 26. The only other major title currently scheduled for the same late-May period is Lego Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight, launching on May 29.
This reshuffle alleviates pressure in May but highlights an increasingly congested start to the year. February 2026 is shaping up to be particularly busy, with a cluster of anticipated games including Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined, Nioh 3, Resident Evil Requiem, and Mario Tennis Fever all slated for release within a couple of weeks.
As for the game itself, 007 First Light is an origin story featuring a young, 26-year-old James Bond. The lead role is performed by actor Patrick Wilson, with musician Lenny Kravitz taking on the part of the villain. IO Interactive has promised to share more updates on the project in early 2026.
