007 First Light has cleared its first official regulatory hurdle worldwide. On 17 February 2026, the Australian Classification Board rated IO Interactive’s Bond origin story “M” (Mature) — making Australia the first territory to publish a fully searchable database entry for the game.
How Mature Is 007 First Light?
In Australia, an M (Mature) classification is recommended for players aged 15 and over. It signals content aimed at a more mature audience, but unlike MA15+, it is not legally restricted.
The official breakdown lists:
- Moderate impact violence
- Moderate impact language
- Mild themes
- Mild sex
- No drug use
- No nudity
Anyone who has watched the gameplay knows that 007 First Light doesn’t shy away from impact. Fights look physical, forceful and at times downright brutal — especially in close-quarters encounters where punches land hard and enemies drop fast.
And yet, despite that intensity, the Australian board does not categorize the violence as high impact. Instead, the classification points to visible combat and sharper dialogue — but no super-graphic brutality, explicit depictions, or extreme escalation. Sexual content is rated mild.
Notably, the listing also states “No drug use.” In the Australian system, this generally refers to the absence of depicted illegal substance use or drug-related themes. It does not automatically mean that characters never drink alcohol or smoke — elements long associated with the Bond universe — but rather that substance use is not portrayed as a significant or impactful theme within the game.
Overall, 007 First Light is positioned as intense and action-driven, yet controlled in presentation. Despite its mature tone, it remains accessible to a broad audience, rather than confined to a restricted adult market.
Australia Is Clear — How About the Rest of the World?
Internationally, Australia’s “M” rating aligns closely with:
- PEGI 16
- ESRB Teen (T)
- USK 16
These ratings are already visible in digital storefronts, suggesting international alignment. However, 007 First Light has not yet appeared in the public databases of PEGI, ESRB, or USK — leaving Australia as the first and only territory with a formally searchable regulatory entry.
Digital Purchases Confirmed — What Comes Next?
The Australian consumer advice also references in-game purchases. That comes as little surprise. Cosmetic variations for Bond’s outfits and gadgets have been visible throughout the game’s rollout — from IOI Account registration rewards and wishlist milestone unlocks to Hitman crossover content such as the Le Chiffre Elusive Target, which featured the Casino Suit tied to the event.
While those examples were linked to engagement campaigns rather than direct purchases, the presence of in-game monetization makes it plausible that certain edition-based bonuses — such as items from the Deluxe Edition, Collector’s Editions, or promotional collaborations with partners like Coca-Cola or Amazon — could eventually be offered separately in the digital store after launch.
Beyond cosmetics, the rating also leaves room for the possibility of additional DLC later on — including purchasable gameplay content or larger expansions. However, IO Interactive has not announced anything along those lines yet, and the studio has not publicly outlined its full post-launch strategy for 007 First Light.
Online Requirements: Optional or Structural?
The mention of online interactivity remains the more structural unknown.
Leaks from last year’s gameplay demo suggested that some form of online connection might be involved, sparking speculation about whether 007 First Light could require persistent connectivity for major features, similar to Hitman.
Whether this refers merely to optional systems such as leaderboards or time trials, or to something more deeply integrated into progression, remains unclear. IO Interactive has yet to provide detailed clarification.
With release scheduled for May 27, 2026, the first official age classification marks a notable milestone in the final stretch toward launch.
Image credit: Australian Classification Board
