Deadly insights from "Hitman" furnished IOI for crafting "007: First Light" game.
Welcome to the newly-minted world of 007 First Light: IO Interactive's exciting foray into the James Bond franchise, harmonizing seamlessly with the enigmatic vibes of the Hitman series. In this refreshing twist, players get to embody a young, 26-year-old Bond as he weaves his way into the depths of MI6, employing an assortment of gadgets, stealth techniques, weapons, and social engineering to overcome the mission's challenges.
During the Summer Game Fest 2025, we caught up with IO Interactive's Chief Technical Officer, Ulas Karademir, sharing insights about 007 First Light's development. Among other things, he revealed his return to IO Interactive was largely motivated by the allure of Bond, its increased scope, and the freedom it offers over Hitman.
"I left in 2014, but in the last year, I found myself back at the office, and Hakan B. Abrak-CEO of IO Interactive-showed me the James Bond game," said Karademir. "He knew that I really wanted to work with this franchise, so he showed me the game, and then he asked me, 'Do you want to come back?' and I was like, 'Yeah, I think so.'" With its ambitious goals and amplified agency, Karademir believed a return was the right move.
Bond games traditionally lean towards high-octane spectacle; however, 007 First Light encourages exploration, offering up multiple paths to conquer each mission - quite similar to Hitman's immersive sim approach.
"There are more options in this game compared to Hitman. You can play with a stealth approach, or you can do social interactions with Bond trying to bluff his way out of situations, creating humor and interactions," shared Karademir. While guns blazing can be an option at times, 007 First Light is primarily about granting players a wide array of opportunities in the game.
The upgraded Glacier 2 engine was developed specifically for 007 First Light, addressing the increased scale of its levels and offering an expansive sandbox for players to delve into.
As Karademir notes, "At IO Interactive, we spend a lot of time trying to figure out what is fun." With a strong dedication to gameplay mechanics and a knack for iterating their engine to achieve an enjoyable balance, 007 First Light is set to deliver an unparalleled 007 experience.
Beyond the strategic stealth that characterizes the Hitman series, 007 First Light promises a more dynamic and narrative-driven experience, complete with engaging character interactions and emotional storytelling. While it maintains the essence of Hitman within its Bond-inspired world, its broader range of gameplay options and character development set it apart from its predecessor.
- Ulas Karademir, IO Interactive's Chief Technical Officer, expressed his excitement about the technology and gadgets involved in the development of 007 First Light, stating that they offer more options compared to Hitman.
- The games' enhanced narrative-driven experience, complete with engaging character interactions and emotional storytelling, sets 007 First Light apart from the strategic stealth found in the Hitman series, while still maintaining its essence.
- The allure of the James Bond franchise and the increased scope it offers over Hitman were significant factors that motivated Karademir's return to IO Interactive and the development of 007 First Light.
