Gamescom is always full of surprises, and for fans of IO Interactive’s 007: First Light the question is clear: what can you actually see on site? In short: there’s a public showcase for everyone – and a business booth hidden away for partners, press, and creators.
James Bond Vehicles on Display – Outdoor Showcase at Gamescom
Right outside Hall 8, in the outdoor area next to a small urban beach, visitors can admire three spectacular vehicles straight from the universe of 007: First Light (more photos of the vehicles can be found below).
- Land Rover Defender 130 – first spotted in the Reveal Trailer at MI6’s training grounds, this rugged machine represents the franchise’s tradition of power and resilience.
- Triumph TF 250X – unveiled in Q’s lab, where Bond, with his trusty Omega Seamaster, fired up the turbo (or was it a rear flamethrower?). This sleek motorcycle is built for pure adrenaline.
- Aston Martin V8 – painted in a dazzling yellow, this car was showcased at the booth; its look is very close to the DBS that Bond drives in the game while tailing Agent 009 across Slovakia.
I have to admit – I was pleasantly surprised by how many vehicles IO Interactive brought to Gamescom this year. Having mainly expected to see just a single Aston Martin Valhalla on display, the reality far exceeded my predictions. The sight immediately brought back memories of Bond in Motion, the official exhibition I visited in London eleven years ago. It’s that same thrill of standing close to machines that define the character of James Bond – and Gamescom fans get a taste of it here, right under the summer sun.
Behind Closed Doors – Exclusive Business Booth
Away from the crowds, in Hall 4.2, lies the Business Area. When the very first photo of this space surfaced on the morning of Gamescom’s opening day, I assumed it might show a one-off event – perhaps a premiere or a special reception. In reality, it turned out to be IO Interactive’s permanent booth at the trade fair, boldly marked with a sign that reads:
“007: First Light – World Premiere Exclusive Presentation.”
The booth itself also holds a special treat for Bond enthusiasts: on display is the legendary Aston Martin DB5 – the car that made its first appearance in Goldfinger (1964) and most recently returned in No Time To Die (2021). It earned its legendary status through Q-Branch’s ingenious gadgets: revolving number plates, twin machine guns hidden behind the headlights, a rear-mounted oil slick sprayer – and, of course, the passenger-seat ejector.
Here in Cologne, the DB5 stands in pristine condition, though notably without any of those famous tricks. Even stripped of its spy gear, the silver icon radiates timeless elegance – a reminder why it remains the most beloved Bond car of all.
To the left of the stand, visitors can also step into a Gun Barrel Photo Booth, where they can strike iconic poses inside the classic opening motif of every James Bond film. It’s a playful nod to the cinematic legacy, letting fans themselves feel like 007 for a brief moment.
Sadly, what happens behind the actual doors of the business booth remains off limits to the public. As for me? Let’s just say I had to sign an NDA. If I were to spill the beans now, I’d probably find myself dangling over a crocodile pit tomorrow – and not for afternoon tea.
Expectations vs. Reality – And What Fans at Home Get
Going into Gamescom, I had originally expected IO Interactive to show more of the game directly to the public. In my predictions article, I even speculated about influencers live-streaming gameplay, full stage presentations with developer talks, and a program designed to give fans a first real taste of 007: First Light.
The reality, however, looks different – and for many fans, especially those who might have traveled to Gamescom in the hope of seeing more, that can understandably feel disappointing. I’ll admit that in my own speculations I also let myself get carried away by the excitement and the many possibilities. Yet when you take a step back, it’s easy to see why: at the Summer Game Fest in June the game was still in its Alpha stage, and IO Interactive is clearly not ready to present it in a live, pre-played form to a large public audience. In that sense, their caution feels justified.
That said, the big question remains: what about the promised summer reveal? I personally asked IOI about this today, specifically whether a trailer could be expected during Gamescom – and the answer was a firm no-comment. Still, a trailer feels like the most realistic option for a first glimpse of gameplay. My advice to fellow fans is simple: patience. IOI doesn’t want to fire all its ammunition at the very first opportunity – but I’m convinced they won’t leave us standing in the rain. The fireworks are still coming.
And remember: we’ve only just wrapped up the first day of Gamescom. There’s still plenty of time left for announcements to drop over the course of the week.
For everyone following from home, we’ve put together a photo gallery with impressions from both the public showcase and the business booth. It’s the closest look at the Gamescom presence of 007: First Light until IO Interactive decides to share more.
