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

IO Interactive Unveils Project 007: A Young Bond Trilogy

IO Interactive, renowned for the Hitman series, is developing Project 007, a new James Bond game. This isn't just a single title; CEO Hakan Abrak envisions a trilogy, introducing a younger Bond to a new generation of gamers.

A Fresh Take on 007

Since its November 2020 announcement, Project 007 has generated significant excitement. Abrak recently confirmed to IGN that development is progressing exceptionally well and will feature a previously unseen, pre-00 status James Bond. This original story, unrelated to any film portrayal, aims to create a Bond experience uniquely shaped by gamers.

"The exciting part is crafting an original narrative," Abrak stated, emphasizing the opportunity to build a young Bond for gamers to connect with and watch grow. He highlighted IO Interactive's two-decade preparation, leveraging their expertise in immersive, stealth-focused gameplay from the Hitman franchise. However, he acknowledged the unique challenge of working with an established IP like James Bond, aiming to create a lasting impact on the gaming world.

A Trilogy in the Making

Abrak explicitly stated that Project 007 is intended as the first chapter of a trilogy, unlike a simple adaptation of a film. This reflects the success of the Hitman series, which spanned multiple critically acclaimed installments.

What We Know So Far

• Story: An original Bond origin story, showcasing a younger Bond before his iconic 007 status. The tone, according to Abrak (Edge Magazine, 2023), will be closer to Daniel Craig's portrayal than Roger Moore's.

• Gameplay: While specifics are scarce, Abrak hinted (Edge Magazine, 2023) at a more structured experience than Hitman's open-ended style, describing it as "the ultimate spycraft fantasy," suggesting gadgets and a shift from Agent 47's lethal missions. Job listings (PlayStation Universe, July 2021) suggested a third-person perspective with a focus on "sandbox storytelling" and advanced AI, hinting at dynamic mission approaches.

• Release Date: No official release date has been announced, but IO Interactive remains enthusiastic about the project's progress.

The anticipation for Project 007 is high, promising a fresh and original James Bond experience that could redefine the character in gaming for years to come.