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 venturing into the world of James Bond with their upcoming game, Project 007. This isn't just a single title; the studio aims to launch a brand-new Bond trilogy, introducing a younger 007 to a new generation of gamers.

A Fresh Take on 007

Since its announcement in November 2020, Project 007 has generated significant excitement. IO Interactive's CEO, Hakan Abrak, recently confirmed to IGN that the game is progressing exceptionally well and will feature a previously unseen, younger Bond—before he achieved his iconic 00 status. This original story, independent of any film iterations, allows players to experience Bond's formative years and forge their own connection with the character.

"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.

Building on Hitman's Legacy

IO Interactive's expertise in crafting immersive, stealth-focused gameplay, honed over two decades with the Hitman franchise, will undoubtedly influence Project 007. However, adapting an established IP like James Bond presents unique challenges. Abrak acknowledged this, stating, "James Bond is a different IP. It’s a huge IP. It’s not our IP..." His ambition is to create a lasting impact on the gaming landscape, establishing a Bond universe that gamers can engage with for years to come.

What We Know So Far

• Story: An entirely original Bond origin story, unconnected to any film portrayal. While details are scarce, Abrak hinted to Edge Magazine in 2023 that the tone will be closer to Daniel Craig's Bond than Roger Moore's.

• Gameplay: While specifics remain under wraps, hints suggest a more structured experience than Hitman's open-ended approach, focusing on "spycraft fantasy" and incorporating gadgets. Job listings from IO Interactive point towards a third-person action game with sandbox storytelling elements and advanced AI.

• Release Date: Currently unannounced, but IO Interactive remains optimistic about the game's progress.

The anticipation for Project 007 is palpable. IO Interactive's commitment to crafting a compelling trilogy promises a fresh and exciting take on the iconic James Bond, setting a new standard for Bond games for years to come.