Developer IO Interactive's upcoming James Bond video game will feature an entirely original story. Rather than pull from a specific film, medium, or era, the in-development title will draw from the franchise's extensive near-70 year history.
First announced in November 2020, news regarding the highly-anticipated title started to pick up steam toward the beginning of this year. Several high-level job positions were listed for the game in January, including gameplay programmer, rigger, and more, indicating IOI has more than likely started production.
In a recent interview with IGN's Ryan McCaffrey, IO Interactive CEO and co-owner Hakan Abrak discusses the studio's cultural history, along with some insight into how it's approaching the storied James Bond IP. Abrak confirmed that not only will IO not be using the likeness of any actor who has portrayed 007 in the past but will also create a completely new story for their original Bond.
Abrak talks about how Project 007 is the studio's first crack at developing a licensed title, and how important it is that he and his team aren't hindered by the restrictions that usually accompany such a property. Abrak says that for the passion to be there, "It was very important for us that it wasn't a movie adaptation."
Abrak goes on to praise the James Bond franchise for its ability to reinvent itself over the years, and how that aspect will be carried into Project 007. The IOI CEO states while the game will draw inspiration from across the entire franchise (rather than a particular film), this new version of the elite MI6 agent will represent the "absolutely true and recognizable values there is in Bond."
Speaking of Bond films, there are rumors that the (finally) upcoming No Time To Die may need to reshoot scenes due to James Bond's outdated gadgets. By the time of the 25th Bond film's release, over two years will have passed since the time of filming, making some of Bond's product-placed cutting-edge gadgets a bit obsolete.
News of a wholly original incarnation of 007 is exciting news for Bond fans, especially considering the character's last video game foray. 2012 saw the release of 007 Legends, which is essentially the antithesis of what IO Interactive is trying to achieve. Widely panned by critics and players alike, 007 Legends was a disconnected anthology of missions adapted from the films of six different 007 actors. The title was so poorly received in fact that its developer laid off over 100 employees shortly after its release, marking the start of the James Bond video game hiatus that IOI will change with Project 007.
A 007 unrestricted from having to look or act like a certain actor or follow a specific film plot opens the door for what could be a wildly successful AAA title. Given that IOI has announced the game less than six months ago, Project 007 is still quite a ways away. However, the studio's other popular franchise, Hitman 3, just dropped its seven-part Seven Deadly Sins expansion, letting fans continue the adventures of Agent 47 while awaiting 007.
Project 007 is currently in development.
Source: IGN