When it comes to iconic franchises, few have left as lasting a mark as James Bond. From Ian Fleming’s novels to the beloved film series, 007 has captivated audiences for decades. However, the world of gaming has seen relatively few adaptations of the British spy’s escapades that truly stood the test of time.
That could be about to change, thanks to IO Interactive’s highly anticipated Project 007, a new James Bond video game. Recently, IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak shed light on how the development is progressing, hinting that this project might be more than just a single game—it could be the start of a brand-new trilogy.
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A Fresh Take on Bond
What sets Project 007 apart from previous James Bond video games is the creative direction IO Interactive has chosen to take. The studio, well-known for its Hitman series, isn’t simply recreating a story that has already appeared in the films or novels. Instead, it is building an entirely original narrative, providing a fresh take on Bond’s origin story. According to Hakan Abrak, the game will allow players to experience how James Bond earns his prestigious 00-status, making it a unique experience, especially for longtime fans of the franchise.
This marks a notable departure from the usual approach of adapting popular films into video games. In previous Bond games like GoldenEye or 007 Legends, players often re-lived classic moments from the movies, but Project 007 aims to build something new from the ground up. Abrak emphasized that they are creating a “new Bond” and a Bond that players can “grow with.” This idea of a young James Bond forging his path into the world of espionage presents exciting possibilities, especially for an audience accustomed to seeing an already-established 007.
Why IO Interactive is the Right Developer
For many, the prospect of a James Bond video game being handled by IO Interactive seems like a perfect match. The Danish studio has spent over two decades refining its expertise in the spy genre with its critically acclaimed Hitman series. In Hitman, players step into the shoes of Agent 47, a professional assassin who utilizes stealth, strategy, and precision to eliminate targets. Over time, the franchise has allowed gamers to live out their “agent fantasy,” and it’s clear that the experience gained from creating these games has given IO Interactive a unique set of skills.
As Abrak pointed out, this deep understanding of spy gameplay will undoubtedly inform their approach to Project 007. Players can expect the same level of attention to detail that made Hitman such a success, but with a more expansive, narrative-driven approach. The promise of combining decades of experience with a beloved franchise has already generated significant excitement in the gaming community.
An Original Bond for a New Era
One of the most intriguing aspects of Project 007 is the decision to create an entirely new James Bond. The game will not feature the likeness of any of the actors who have portrayed Bond in the past, such as Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, or Daniel Craig. Instead, IO Interactive has the creative freedom to develop a Bond that feels uniquely tailored to the gaming experience.
Abrak spoke about how the team at IO is creating a Bond from “the ground up,” giving gamers a character that they can not only relate to but also see grow and evolve over the course of the game—and potentially an entire trilogy. This is an ambitious move, especially given the weight of expectation that comes with handling such a storied character. But if done right, it could breathe new life into the franchise, allowing both long-time fans and newcomers to connect with this version of 007 in ways they haven’t before.
Aiming for a Trilogy
One of the most exciting revelations from Abrak’s interview is IO Interactive’s hope that Project 007 will be the start of a trilogy. If successful, this means players could follow the evolution of James Bond across multiple games, watching as he grows from a promising MI6 agent to the world’s greatest spy. This long-form narrative approach is something rarely seen in Bond media, where each film tends to stand alone or as part of a loose continuity.
A potential trilogy also opens the door for deeper character development and a more cohesive narrative experience. By allowing Bond’s story to unfold over several games, IO Interactive could explore new dimensions of the character—his motivations, struggles, and growth—that are often only hinted at in the films. This kind of character-focused storytelling could mark a significant shift for the Bond franchise, allowing it to reach new emotional and narrative heights.
