It’s not unfair to say that IO Interactive’s 007 First Light has seen some backlash from hardcore Bondheads. The upcoming action-stealth game, which has been described as a reverse Hitman, has seen glowing praise from some and the ire of others, and the developers working on the game are proud their take has caused some discussion.
Portrayed by Patrick Gibson, the younger, naiver take on the iconic gentleman spy has seen some backlash due to the character’s smug persona. Their Bond’s smirk coats every trailer, and some fans have not reacted kindly to it, but the team would rather have a Bond people have opinions on rather than a character no one cares about.
“People having different opinions about a James Bond, that’s great,: senior combat designer Tom Marchan told Eurogamer. “Everyone has their favourite Bond. If we made a Bond where no one had any opinions on them, it would be the dullest Bond ever made.”
Marchan explains that a “little controversy” on their version of Bond is “a good thing” as the character is so iconic. Some have taken issues with the character’s young age, others dislike his arrogance, and some have taken issues with the comments regarding the character’s “modern values”. Nevertheless, they have an opinion, just like most fans have with any new movie Bond as well.
While an iconic member of the Bond lineage now, Daniel Craig’s introduction to the film series was not without controversy. Prior to the release of Casino Royale, multiple websites including “craignotbond.com” and “danielcraigisnotbond.com” were made online. Additionally, even fake casting rumours – such as Idris Elba or Jacob Elordi – for Bond have seen mass backlash, despite not even being real.
The combat designer explains that these discussions surrounding a new Bond are simply due to the character’s legacy. Additionally, they state that Gibson’s Bond “grows on you throughout the game”, wondering how those negative commenters will feel once “they actually play through it”.
Narrative and cinematic director Martin Emborg adds that many fans base their reaction to this younger Bond on their past experiences of seeing a more mature and experienced Bond in action. “This is another take,” he adds. “This is a young man that isn’t all those things yet, and so there is maybe a little more on the line for this guy than your seasoned Bond.”
“We do have a strong character,” he continued, “and I will say he is as strong as those other Bonds. In terms of the audience putting themselves into this strong character: it does help us that it’s an origin story.” Nevertheless, a lot of those James Bond qualities are foundationally there in 007 First Light—Bond is born with them “and it’s the reason that he’s able to become 007”.
As 007 First Light pushes Gibson’s younger Bond more into the role of the character we know and love, that more experienced take on the spy could be explored more in future games. While IO is keen to return to its Hitman franchise, the studio has also expressed a desire to create sequels for its James Bond game in the future.
“As a studio, we have a long history of expanding things and remixing, so it’s certainly not the last we’ve seen of Patrick [Gibson as Bond],| missions and audio director Dominic Vega said. “It is the beginning – it’s up to the audience to decide how that goes, but yeah, more to be discovered.”
It’ not long now until fans get to see IO’s take on James Bond in action for themselves. The game has seen a number of delays, but its release date is quickly approaching. Unfortunately, fans on Nintendo Switch 2 will have to wait a while longer until they can experience the game, but IO promises the port is coming along well.
