007 First Light Leaks Prompt IO Interactive to Publish Gameplay Early

IO Interactive has published a portion of the opening mission from 007 First Light after copies of the game leaked to the public days before launch.

James Bond fans gathered over the weekend when (now-removed) video from the new game snuck its way onto the internet. With its early access launch not slated to arrive until May 26 and its full launch set later at May 27, it appeared at least a few players had nabbed their copies early and wasted no time uploading their gameplay footage.

IOI took to social media to comment on the leaks. It told its most excited fans to wait until the official launch if they want to avoid spoilers, but for those who may have already seen an unofficial upload, the Hitman studio published a cleaner look at the first 13 minutes of 007 First Light.

Since a few users got hold of the disc early, watch the first 13 minutes of the opening mission in 007 First Light, as intended on day 1.

Spoilers ahead, so if you’d rather save it for the in-game experience, best steer clear!

Last chance to Pre-order and get a free deluxe… pic.twitter.com/Sd4WMSDNyS

— 007 First Light (@007GameIOI) May 24, 2026

“Since a few users got hold of the disc early,” IOI said, “watch the first 13 minutes of the opening mission in 007 First Light, as intended on day 1.”

The gameplay drops Bond into the ocean after his helicopter is shot down. As some have pointed out, much of the footage looks very Metal Gear, showing the soon-to-be agent as he sneaks around armed guards by crouching behind rainy rocks and climbing his way to safety.

This isn’t the suave 007 we’ve seen in some of the other pre-release footage, but that’s to be expected considering this opening segment of First Light seems to take place earlier in his life. It looks like this introductory mission goes on longer than the 13-minute clip shows, but it’s all IOI was willing to share after leaks spoiled some of the excitement.

007 First Light launches for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S this week. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is also in development but won’t arrive until later. While you wait, be sure to check out our breakdown of the history of James Bond video games. You can also read our latest preview.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).