IO Interactive Unveils Project 007: A Young Bond Trilogy in the Making
IO Interactive, renowned creators of the Hitman series, have shed more light on their ambitious Project 007. This upcoming title will feature a fresh take on the iconic James Bond, focusing on his formative years.
A New Bond for a New Generation
Project 007 is envisioned as the launchpad for a thrilling trilogy, reinventing the Bond experience for modern gamers. CEO Hakan Abrak, in an interview with IGN, confirmed the project's impressive progress and revealed the game will depict a younger Bond, before his ascent to 00 status. This original story, Abrak emphasized, offers a unique opportunity to craft a Bond experience that resonates with a new audience. "It’s extremely exciting...to work on this together with the family of creating a young Bond for gamers; a Bond that the gamers can call their own and grow with," he stated.
Over two decades of experience in crafting immersive stealth games, honed through the Hitman series, will inform Project 007's development. However, Abrak acknowledged the unique challenge of working with an established IP like James Bond, stating, "It’s a huge IP. It’s not our IP… I just hope that we’ll do a thing that will define James Bond in gaming for years to come." The aim is to create a lasting Bond universe within the gaming world, distinct from the film franchise.
Abrak's vision extends beyond a single game; he sees Project 007 as the cornerstone of a multi-part saga, emphasizing that it's "completely beginning and becoming a story, hopefully for a big trilogy out there in the future," mirroring the success of the Hitman trilogy.
What We Know So Far
The Project 007 Narrative
While plot details remain scarce, the official website confirms an original Bond story, allowing players to experience Bond's journey to becoming 007. The game will be unconnected to any film portrayals of Bond, and as revealed in an Edge Magazine interview, will feature a tone closer to Daniel Craig's portrayal than Roger Moore's.
Gameplay Mechanics
Gameplay specifics are limited, but Abrak hinted at a more structured experience compared to Hitman's open-ended nature, describing it as "the ultimate spycraft fantasy." This suggests a focus on gadgets and missions potentially diverging from Agent 47's lethal objectives. Job listings have alluded to "sandbox storytelling" and advanced AI, hinting at dynamic mission approaches. A third-person perspective is also likely.
Release Date
A release date remains unannounced, but IO Interactive's positive progress updates suggest the game is on track. Abrak expressed considerable excitement, promising further details in due course.
