Young Bond Trilogy Planned by Hitman Devs

IO Interactive Unveils Ambitious Project 007: A Young Bond Trilogy

IO Interactive, renowned creators of the Hitman series, have shed more light on their highly anticipated Project 007. This upcoming game will feature a fresh take on the iconic James Bond, focusing on a younger, pre-007 Bond, and is planned as the first installment of a trilogy.

A New Era for 007: Origin Story and Trilogy Ambitions

Project 007 aims to be more than a single title; IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak envisions it as the launchpad for a brand-new trilogy, offering a unique Bond experience for a new generation of gamers. In an interview with IGN, Abrak emphasized the game's "amazing" progress and the excitement of crafting an original Bond narrative, independent of existing film iterations. This origin story will allow players to experience Bond's journey to becoming the legendary double-0 agent. Abrak highlighted the opportunity to create "a young Bond for gamers; a Bond that the gamers can call their own and grow with."

Building on Hitman's Legacy, Yet Embracing New Challenges

IO Interactive's expertise in crafting immersive, stealth-focused gameplay, honed through the Hitman series, will undoubtedly influence Project 007. However, Abrak acknowledged the significant shift in working with an established external IP like James Bond. He expressed a desire to create a gaming experience that will redefine James Bond for years to come, building a "universe for gamers to own" and expanding alongside future films.

Project 007: What We Know So Far

• Story: An original Bond story charting his early career before achieving 00 status. While unconnected to any film portrayals, Abrak hinted to Edge Magazine in 2023 that the tone will lean closer to Daniel Craig's Bond than Roger Moore's.

• Gameplay: While specifics remain scarce, Abrak suggested a more "scripted experience" than the freeform Hitman titles, describing it as "the ultimate spycraft fantasy." Job listings have hinted at a "sandbox storytelling" approach and advanced AI, potentially indicating dynamic mission structures. Third-person action is anticipated.

• Release Date: No official release date has been announced, but IO Interactive has expressed strong confidence in the game's progress, promising further details soon.

Project 007 promises a thrilling new chapter in the James Bond saga, blending IO Interactive's proven gameplay expertise with a fresh, original story focused on a young, yet-to-be-defined 007. The anticipation for this ambitious trilogy is undeniable.