007 First Light devs nearly turned James Bond into ‘Mr Gadget’

17 July 2026

IO Interactive needed to reign themselves in on turning James Bond into “Mr. Gadget” in 007: First Light.

007: First Light

The developer behind the hit Bond online game has admitted they have been near embracing the sort of really excessive devices followers are used to seeing on the large display, however they determined towards embracing the silliness.

Senior fight designer Tom Marcham instructed GameSpot: “We had issues in it that we thought have been going to be cool, however once you play it, it seems it’s not cool, it simply appears foolish.

“There was definitely a point where it felt like he’d become Mr. Gadget, and we had to tune it back.”

The determination meant players did not get something on the extent of an alligator submarine or boombox rocket launcher, to verify Bond’s devices mirrored the world of the 007: First Light.

Instead, the builders targeted on espionage and the concept of making a possibility for Bond, which was a greater match for the gameplay’s deal with being close-quarters.

Marcham added: “We didn’t wish to go into overly gamey stuff the place he was all the time utilizing tasers or sleep darts. It didn’t appear to suit the character.

“So that led us down this route of having this close combat element.”

However, Marcham hinted there’s nonetheless a chance for extra experimental devices as IOI look to increase the replayability of the sport.

He stated: “I feel we’ll proceed to increase with methods you may replay encounters and play about with the ruleset in order that we will get extra out of the marketing campaign that now we have.

“We’re nonetheless messing round with the gadget facet of stuff.

“I feel there’s a complete world that you could discover with who Bond is and why he makes use of devices.”

Last month, Amazon MGM confirmed they’ve the rights to any future initiatives, whereas there’s extra to return on 007: First Light.

In a press release, they stated: “Amazon MGM holds the rights to any future James Bond video video games but it surely’s nonetheless too early to debate future initiatives.

“We have an incredible relationship with IO Interactive and are pleased with what we have completed collectively on 007 First Light.

“Our partners at IO will reveal more about 007: First Light in the near future and we’re looking forward to sharing what’s next.”