When IO Interactive first revealed it would tackle a James Bond game, it felt like a natural match. Known for its stylish, stealth-focused Hitman series, the Danish studio seemed well-positioned to reimagine the world’s most iconic spy. But how did that collaboration with MGM come about—and what has it looked like behind the scenes?
A recent VGC interview with franchise director Jonathan Lacaille sheds light on that creative partnership, from the initial pitch to the studio’s current relationship with Amazon, MGM’s new parent company.
The Initial Pitch: A Bold Move After a Decade of Silence
By the time 007: First Light was proposed, IO Interactive had spent nearly two decades refining Hitman. The team wasn’t abandoning Agent 47, but they were ready to try something new—something that still leaned into their strengths in espionage and player-driven problem-solving.
With Bond as a long-time inspiration, IOI took a chance and pitched MGM—despite the studio not having accepted a game proposal in over ten years. Their approach emphasized choice and restraint rather than all-out action. “In Hitman, you shoot maybe once per level — or not at all,” Lacaille explained. That creative philosophy helped convince MGM to reopen the door to gaming.
“Don’t Make Him a Killing Machine”
MGM had only one non-negotiable guideline: James Bond should not be turned into a “killing machine.” That line resonated with IOI’s existing design ethos, which prioritizes planning, stealth, and improvisation over brute force. It’s reassuring to know that this core aspect of the character is being preserved—even as the game seeks to reinvent Bond for a new generation.
Beyond that, the studio was granted surprising creative freedom. “They’ve considered every idea we’ve had,” said Lacaille. “There weren’t many massive nos… it was always more like, ‘Yeah, but, we could do it this way…’” That kind of openness is rare in licensed projects—and speaks to a level of trust that fans of the franchise will no doubt appreciate.
Twice-Weekly Calls: A Hands-On, Collaborative Process
Rather than a distant licensor, MGM has been actively involved in shaping the game. Some IOI team members even hold calls with MGM departments twice a week. For a brand with such a long and carefully managed history, it’s good to see that the team behind Bond values ongoing creative dialogue rather than top-down approvals.
Lacaille admitted he was initially concerned the project might be treated as a side venture. But those concerns quickly faded. “They’ve been really helpful—creatively and operationally—and very solution-oriented.” That level of day-to-day collaboration reinforces the impression that 007: First Light is being treated as a serious, long-term investment—not just a one-off spin-off.
From MGM to Amazon: Smooth Transition – and Encouraging Signs
In early 2025, Amazon took creative control of the Bond franchise. However, day-to-day development remained largely unchanged — MGM continues to be IOI’s primary point of contact, and the same production teams are still in place. The transition appears to have been smooth, bringing added benefits such as direct access to Amazon’s sales and streaming infrastructure via Amazon.com and Twitch.
Like many fans, I had my doubts when the Amazon deal was first announced—worries that the creative DNA of Bond might get diluted by corporate restructuring. But it’s genuinely encouraging to see that MGM still leads the creative process and that IOI’s collaboration continues uninterrupted. That continuity gives hope not only for First Light but for the broader future of Bond in games.
Source:
videogameschronicle.com – How much Hitman DNA is in 007 First Light? IO Interactive talks James Bond
