IOI Won’t Self-Publish Future James Bond Games: What It Means for First Light Sequel

A person in a suit standing with one arm outstretched, viewed through the circular aperture of a camera lens.
alexa author
By Alexandria LopezStaff Writer

A person in a suit standing with one arm outstretched, viewed through the circular aperture of a camera lens.
  • Primary Subject: 007 First Light
  • Key Update: Amazon Game Studios and MGM will take over publishing rights for all future James Bond titles from developer IO Interactive due to Amazon's acquisition of MGM.
  • Status: Confirmed
  • Last Verified: June 4, 2026
  • Quick Answer: Future James Bond games will be published by Amazon Game Studios and MGM instead of IO Interactive, following Amazon's multi-billion-dollar acquisition of the IP owner.

Although IO Interactive saw massive success with 007 First Light, they will no longer publish James Bond games moving forward.

IO Interactive was able to self-publish since the IP was originally under MGM and EON Productions. However, after Amazon acquired MGM in 2021, it appears future Bond games will no longer be published by the Denmark-based video game studio.

Here's everything we know so far,

MGM and Amazon Game Studios To Publish Future James Bond Games

It's been revealed that if IO Interactive develops a sequel (or more) of 007 First Light, they will no longer be the ones publishing the game. Instead, MGM and Amazon Game Studios will be publishing it.

007 First Light
expand image
Credit: IO Interactive

007 First Light was developed and self-published by IO Interactive. The game released on May 27 to massive success, selling over 1.5 million copies within the first 24 hours of launch.

READ MORE: 007 First Light: How to Unlock All Gadgets and Extra Slots

Jeff Gattis, the general manager of Amazon Game Studios, revealed to Polygon that interest in upcoming Bond games is a result of its $8.45 billion acquisition of IP owner MGM in 2022. They revealed that they own the James Bond IP, but the acquisition happened after 007 First Light was already in active development, and while they didn't have full rights to the game yet.

Future releases will not be under MGM and Amazon Game Studios. Gattis noted that with an IP like Bond, Amazon can create even more than just video games - they can create film, television, and more. He stated, "We think that's a real opportunity for us to create IP that extends – or expands upon – TV shows and movies. There'll be a Tomb Raider TV show on Prime Video that'll go alongside the games."

007 First Light
expand image
Credit: IO Interactive

He added, "There are a lot of things we have in the works on new games that'll relate to Prime Video IP. This is where we've made some bets on first-party content."

READ MORE: 007 First Light Utility Room Guide: How to Complete the Wave of the Future Puzzle

Perhaps this means that a future 007 game will be accompanied by a show, similar to Tomb Raider. Or perhaps the release of a new James Bond game will coincide with the release of the new Bond film, James Bond 26.

Fans are - understandably - worried. While it seems IO Interactive will still be developing the game, Amazon Game Studios and MGM will have more control over the game. This could drastically change the quality of the games for better or worse. However, players will just have to wait and see what they have planned for the James Bond IP.

For more like this, stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com, the best website for gaming news, reviews, features, and guides.