After over a decade of waiting, James Bond has returned…to a video game console near you. We are now in the midst of 007 First Light mayhem, as yesterday was release day for IO Interactive’s labor of love.
So how much of a splash did Patrick Gibson’s young Bond make in the endgame promised in First Light’s story trailer? Well, as you’re about to find out, the man has set a pretty impressive internal record. Which means that I, a certified James Bond super fan/expert, must now pose the most obvious question – besides “How can I score a cameo in the next 007 adventure/DLC?”)
But first…let’s party!
007 First Light’s First Day Sales Have Set An IO Interactive Record
Let’s face it, even with my personal bias aside, the gaming community has been hyping the blockbuster previously known as “Project 007.” Hell, my starting line for chasing this game’s progress was at a totally different site. That’s how long this has been going on!
Now that we’ve seen this day arrive, it’s time to decide how much celebrating should be done in its wake. (Especially since this game has passed the low bar of “Hey, it isn’t 007 Legends!“)Per a fresh press release from IO Interactive, our favorite spy in training can add this milestone to his collection of awards:
IO Interactive, the independent video game developer and publisher behind the HITMAN franchise, and Amazon MGM Studios are thrilled to announce that 007 First Light, has reached 1.5 million units sold within the first 24 hours, making it the fastest-selling title in IO Interactive’s history.
The fact that Agent 47 himself has now seen (future) Commander Bond surpass him, straight to the top of its sales leaderboard, is nuts! So backs should be given firm, but reassuring pats all around at IO Interactive (consent pending, obviously!) Sure, 007 First Light is banking critical raves left and right – and I hope to join those ranks with my forthcoming official THS review of the game.
But even roughly halfway through the game, my enthusiasm for the ride so far is, dare I say, at an all time high! Which brings us to a question I think we’ll be hearing a lot more over the weekend to come.
How Long Will IO Interactive Wait Before Announcing 007 First Light 2?
I know, I know: 007 First Light 2 will probably not be the name of the potential sequel to James Bond’s gaming reboot. Seeing as we all know how SEO works, and that’s probably the title everyone is going to be using to search this very topic, it was at least worth mentioning in passing. Frankly, I don’t care if they decide to call the hypothetical follow-up 007 X-2: Dirge of Cerberus Reloaded – I just need it to happen.
My main concern is how long will IO Interactive make us wait before they reveal that a new game is in-development? Seriously – look at those critical accolades! I can practically see another cryptic gun barrel style teaser, similar to 2020’s Project 007 announcement, that proclaims “James Bond Will Return.” Oh hell, let’s relive that moment together – martinis in hand, shall we?
If you’re somehow still reading this article and not playing 007 First Light, congratulations – your willpower deserves rewarding! Which, in turn, makes me feel better about resisting the urge to turn on my XBox, and skip my professional duties. Apologies to my editors, who may or may not be cross with my decision to grab my controller the moment I’ve fully filed this story.
For everyone that doesn’t have a copy yet, you can snag IO Interactive’s latest crowd pleaser for current gen XBox, Playstation, and Switch consoles – as well as on PC. And for those of you who want everything (not nothing) in the world of pop culture, keep a browser tab tuned to THS’ Gaming News archives! Oh, and to the good folks at IO who made 007 First Light worth obsessing over for the past couple of years – I wasn’t kidding about that sequel cameo. Call my people!
Reviews