Project 007 Features a \"Young Bond\" In Hitman Devs' Planned Trilogy

IO Interactive Unveils Project 007: A Young Bond Trilogy in the Making

IO Interactive, renowned for its Hitman series, is venturing into the world of 007 with Project 007, a new game promising a fresh take on the iconic James Bond. This isn't just a single title; the studio aims to launch a trilogy, introducing a younger Bond to a new generation of gamers.

A Fresh Perspective on Bond

Since its announcement in November 2020, Project 007 has generated considerable excitement. CEO Hakan Abrak recently confirmed to IGN that development is progressing smoothly and will showcase a Bond before he earned his 00 status. This original story, unrelated to any film portrayal, will allow players to shape their own Bond experience.

"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," Abrak stated. He emphasized IO Interactive's two-decade preparation, leveraging its expertise in immersive, stealth-based gameplay from the Hitman franchise.

The Challenge of a New IP

While IO Interactive is accustomed to creating its own IPs, James Bond presents a unique challenge. Abrak acknowledged the immense scale and legacy of the Bond franchise, expressing his hope that Project 007 will redefine Bond in gaming for years to come. He envisions a universe that gamers can own and grow with, separate from the film adaptations.

A Trilogy in the Making

Abrak's vision extends beyond a single game. He sees Project 007 as the foundation of a trilogy, emphasizing that it's not merely a game adaptation of a movie, but a completely original narrative with the potential to become a major trilogy. This mirrors the success of IO Interactive's Hitman trilogy.

What We Know So Far

• Story: A completely original Bond origin story, featuring a younger Bond before he becomes 007, with a tone closer to Daniel Craig than Roger Moore (as revealed in an interview with Edge Magazine).
• Gameplay: While specifics remain undisclosed, it's hinted to be a more scripted experience compared to Hitman's freeform style, focusing on "spycraft fantasy" and potentially incorporating gadgets. Job listings suggest a "sandbox storytelling" approach with advanced AI, similar to Hitman.
• Release Date: Currently unannounced, but IO Interactive remains optimistic about the game's progress.

The anticipation for Project 007 is palpable. As IO Interactive continues to develop this ambitious project, the gaming world eagerly awaits further details.