Amazon’s Bond Game Future: A Question of Collaboration with IO Interactive
In a surprising turn of events, Amazon Gaming’s general manager, Jeff Gattis, recently hinted that while the hit game 007 First Light has done well, the future of the franchise could see a shift away from IO Interactive, the studio behind the game. Gattis mentioned that any upcoming sequels will be handled by MGM and potentially by Amazon Game Studios, raising eyebrows among fans.
However, an Amazon spokesperson clarified the situation, stating that it’s still early to make any concrete plans. They emphasized the positive relationship with IO Interactive, saying, “We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together on 007 First Light. Our partners at IO will share more updates soon, and we’re excited about what’s next.” It seems the two companies have a good rapport, but the details remain murky.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Amazon owns the rights to future James Bond video games, but IO Interactive had already self-published 007 First Light before Amazon’s acquisition of the Bond franchise in 2025. This leaves Amazon in a bit of a pickle—while they have a stake in the game, they aren’t calling all the shots.
This situation is reminiscent of Hasbro and Larian, where a successful game breathed new life into an older property, but the future direction remained uncertain. Unlike Larian, which showed disinterest in continuing its franchise, IO Interactive is still involved since the game is fresh off its release.
Moreover, Amazon’s approach to gaming has been pretty turbulent. They’ve seen major layoffs in their gaming division and even cancelled several projects, including New World, their MMO. So, it begs the question: why is Amazon eager to dive back into the gaming scene now?
One possible reason could be the blurred lines between gaming and television, as Gattis mentioned that every major IP should have a corresponding video game narrative. He envisions a scenario where fans can enjoy Bond films, play the game, and shop for related merchandise—all within the Amazon ecosystem.
While Gattis claims the next Bond game will be published by Amazon Game Studios, he didn’t confirm whether IO would continue its involvement. “As things settle down, we’ll figure out the right developer and storyline for the next Bond game,” he added, leaving many questions unanswered.
As of now, IO Interactive has not commented on the situation. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds, especially with a big player like Amazon in the mix. Stay tuned for updates as we learn more about the future of 007 games!