A Shaken and Stirred State of Play: Why 007 First Light’s Showcase Missed the Mark

The highly anticipated return of James Bond to the world of gaming was set to be a momentous occasion. With IO Interactive, the acclaimed studio behind the Hitman trilogy, at the helm, expectations for 007 First Light were sky-high. The promise of an original origin story for the iconic spy, presented in a dedicated State of Play showcase, was a thrilling prospect. However, for a significant portion of the audience, the 30-minute gameplay deep dive did not live up to the hype. While it revealed key details like a March 27, 2026, release date and the voice cast, the presentation itself was plagued by technical issues and a gameplay identity crisis that left many fans feeling underwhelmed and cautious about the final product.

Technical Glitches and a Lack of Polish

Perhaps the most immediate and damaging issue with the State of Play showcase was its subpar technical performance. Despite likely being run on a powerful console like the PlayStation 5, the gameplay footage suffered from noticeable frame rate drops, particularly during high-action sequences. Viewers reported that the game appeared to stutter during gunfights and explosions, with some even speculating the framerate dropped to unacceptably low levels. While this is not uncommon for a game still in development, the fact that a major showcase for a marquee title was shown in this state is a significant red flag. It created a jarring and unprofessional impression, raising serious concerns about the game’s final polish and optimization. A game meant to capture the smooth, cinematic action of a Bond film should feel seamless and fluid, and the gameplay on display was anything but.

More Agent 47, Less James Bond?

IO Interactive’s expertise in creating intricate, stealth-based sandboxes is what made them such an exciting choice to develop a James Bond game. However, a widespread criticism from the showcase was that 007 First Light seemed to be relying too heavily on the Hitman formula. The stealth sections, which showed Bond using disguises and environmental distractions to bypass security, felt like a direct lift from IOI’s previous work. While this can be a welcome gameplay element, many fans argue that James Bond is a different kind of character. He is a charismatic spy with a “license to kill,” not a silent assassin who relies on anonymity. The lack of a distinct “Bond feel” in these moments left a hollow impression, and the predictable AI, which seemed oblivious to Bond’s overt actions, only reinforced the feeling that the stealth was simplistic and lacked the depth of the Hitman series.

Action Sequences: On-Rails and Unconvincing

While the stealth was criticized for being too similar to Hitman, the action sequences were criticized for being too generic and uninspired. The car chase, which should have been a high-octane spectacle, came across as bland and “on-rails,” with the vehicle’s movement feeling floaty and lacking a sense of speed or weight. The gunplay, while featuring some cool environmental interactions, was perceived as a step down from other contemporary action-adventure games. The overall feeling was that the action, a cornerstone of the James Bond fantasy, felt more like a series of scripted events rather than dynamic gameplay. This was a significant disappointment for a game that promised to deliver on the franchise’s cinematic flair and high-stakes set pieces.

Conclusion: A Promising Concept, A Flawed Debut

It is important to note the positives from the showcase. The game’s premise—an origin story about Bond earning his 00 status—is compelling and an excellent starting point for a new trilogy. The cast, featuring Patrick Gibson as a young James Bond, seems promising, and the original narrative is an exciting prospect. However, a State of Play is a developer’s chance to make a lasting first impression and to generate widespread hype. In this regard, the 007 First Light presentation fell short. The technical issues, the perceived identity crisis, and the unconvincing action sequences created a narrative of concern that the game may not live up to its immense potential. While there is still plenty of time for optimization and polish before its March 2026 release, the showcase did not generate the widespread excitement that IO Interactive was likely hoping for. For many fans, the golden gun of potential was overshadowed by the rusty mechanics on display, leaving them more cautious than convinced.