007 Trilogy to Debut Young Bond from Hitman Developers

IO Interactive Unveils Project 007: A Young Bond Trilogy

IO Interactive, renowned for the Hitman series, is developing Project 007, a new James Bond game promising a fresh perspective on the iconic spy. Instead of a single title, the studio aims to create a trilogy focusing on a younger Bond, before he achieved 00 status. This original story, confirmed by CEO Hakan Abrak in interviews with IGN and Edge Magazine, will be distinct from any existing Bond film iterations. Abrak described the game's tone as closer to Daniel Craig's portrayal than Roger Moore's.

The Project 007 Announcement and Early Details

Initially announced in November 2020, Project 007 has generated significant excitement. Abrak highlighted the studio's two-decade preparation, emphasizing their intention to craft an immersive experience leveraging their expertise in stealth and espionage, honed through the Hitman franchise. He stressed that this project differs significantly from their previous work, representing their first foray into an external intellectual property (IP). The ambition is clear: to redefine James Bond in gaming for years to come, creating a lasting universe for players.

Gameplay and Story Elements

While plot details remain scarce, the official website confirms a wholly original Bond story, allowing players to experience the agent's journey to becoming 007. Abrak indicated to Edge Magazine that the gameplay will likely be more scripted than the freeform nature of Hitman, envisioning it as the "ultimate spycraft fantasy," suggesting a greater emphasis on gadgets. Job listings from IO Interactive hint at a third-person action experience with "sandbox storytelling" and "cutting-edge AI," potentially mirroring the dynamic mission approaches seen in Hitman.

Release Date and Ongoing Development

A release date remains unannounced. However, Abrak expressed immense enthusiasm for the project's progress, promising further information soon. The anticipation is high, particularly given IO Interactive's track record and the intriguing premise of a young Bond origin story. The images provided showcase the game's visual style, hinting at a visually stunning and immersive experience.