– 007 First Light was a critical and sales success, but its sequel is now in doubt.
– Amazon MGM became co-owner of the Bond IP in 2025, gaining creative control over future games.
– IO Interactive’s role in future Bond titles is unclear after the rights change.
– Amazon may develop future Bond games internally, raising concerns given its history of failed projects.
– Unlike the films, there is no guaranteed continuity for the game franchise under Amazon’s control.
007 First Light’s Release and Initial Success
The 007 First Light release date saw positive reviews and benchmarks, along with strong sales. Many fans assumed that IO Interactive would build on that success with sequels. However, a Polygon interview with Amazon Game Studios GM Jeffrey Gattis has cast doubt on those plans.
Ownership Shifts at Amazon MGM
IO Interactive developed and published the recent spy thriller. Still, in 2025, Amazon MGM became a co-owner of the Bond IP and gained creative control over any games and movies. As Gattis explains, that wasn’t the case when the 007 First Light project began.
The GM told Polygon that it “didn’t have the full rights to this First Light James Bond game.” Yet, with the change of ownership, future titles would be “done by MGM and, theoretically, by Amazon Game Studios.”
Uncertain Future for IO Interactive
It’s unclear what part, if any, the Copenhagen-based IO Interactive would play going forward. Amazon could assume a publishing role, while tasking the studio with creating 007 First Light sequels. On the other hand, the company may opt to abandon the franchise rather than take on a lesser role.
Fan Concerns Over Amazon’s Track Record
Other fans fear a scenario where Amazon Game Studios develops upcoming titles internally. Critics point to a string of failures involving controlled studios. One of the most obvious examples is a pair of Lord of the Rings MMOs, both of which were canceled. Other disappointments include the free-to-play shooter Crucible and the 4×4 brawler Breakaway.
As a publisher, Jeff Bezos’ company has fared better with releases like Lost Ark. It could also find its partnership with Crystal Dynamics to produce Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and other Lara Croft adventures lucrative.
Continuity vs. Creative Overhaul
Even though James Bond movies regularly changed lead actors and directors, returning producers provided continuity. Despite the performance of the first entry, that may not be the case with any 007 First Light sequel.
