IO Interactive, known for the Hitman series, is currently developing a new video game based on the James Bond franchise. Titled Project 007, the game will serve as an original origin story for the iconic spy, allowing players to experience the journey of earning the coveted double-O status. While there is no official title or release date yet, Project 007 was first unveiled in 2020. Recently, the company’s CEO shared that he envisions this game could lead to a trilogy.
Development on Project 007 Progressing Well
In a recent interview with IGN, Hakan Abrak, the CEO and co-owner of IO Interactive, reported that progress on Project 007 has been “amazingly well.” While he refrained from disclosing specific updates, he expressed enthusiasm for future announcements. “I don’t have an update today, but believe me, it’s itching here as well to be talking about it soon,” he said. “So we are following our plans. The production is going amazingly well, and we will soon be talking more about it. I know it was a little teaser, not a lot of information, but there’s a lot of cool stuff coming up.”
Abrak noted that the studio’s two decades of experience creating Hitman games, where players immerse themselves in their “agent fantasy,” has equipped them with the skills necessary for developing a James Bond title. Although Project 007 is a popular franchise, it will feature a wholly original storyline with a new portrayal of Bond, distinct from any actors who have taken on the role previously.
“So it’s not a gamification of a movie. It’s completely beginning and becoming a story, hopefully for a big trilogy out there in the future,” expressed Abrak. He emphasized that this new portrayal of Bond is crafted specifically for gamers, allowing players to connect with a character designed to grow along with them.
A Fresh Perspective on Bond
IO Interactive is collaborating with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Eon Productions, the producers behind the Bond films, in the development and publishing of Project 007. James Bond’s legacy in gaming has been substantial, particularly with the 1997 classic GoldenEye hailed as one of the most influential games. However, the franchise has faced challenges in the gaming sphere in recent years, despite the continued success of Bond films. The last entry in the video game realm was Activision’s 007 Legends, a first-person shooter released in 2012.
Nevertheless, IO Interactive aims to redefine the gaming experience for the beloved spy. “I don’t want to speak too big about it, but I just hope we’ll do a thing that will define James Bond in gaming for years to come,” Abrak remarked.
While the developer is not ready to share full details about the game or its release timeline, Abrak assured fans that more information will be unveiled in “due time.”
