Amazon Takes the Wheel: Future James Bond Games to Be Developed In-House
IO Interactive's "007 First Light" saw a massive launch, selling 1.5 million copies within its first 24 hours. However, despite this early success, the future of the James Bond video game franchise is shifting away from the studio that started it.
"We did not [make First Light]. We do have a stake in it because we now own the IP, but that IP acquisition happened after the First Light IO deal was already done."
— Jeff Gattis, Amazon Games
The original development deal with IO Interactive was signed before Amazon acquired MGM—the rights holder to the Bond franchise—in 2021. Amazon Games boss Jeff Gattis has now confirmed that future sequels to "First Light" will be handled internally.
Gattis stated that upcoming Bond games will be "done by MGM and, theoretically, by Amazon Game Studios," signaling a clear intent to bring the franchise's video game arm under the corporate umbrella.
A Mixed Track Record for Amazon Games
This strategic pivot comes despite Amazon Games having a mixed history. The division has been forced to cancel several high-profile projects, including a Lord of the Rings MMO, and has faced ongoing challenges with titles like New World and King of Meat.
Nevertheless, Gattis emphasized the company's commitment to expanding its video game slate. He sees transmedia IP like James Bond as a critical strategic opportunity.
"We do see this continued integration of video and movies and video games, where that line is becoming much more blurry. We think that's a real opportunity for us to create IP that extends—or kind of expands upon—TV shows and movies."
The Bottom Line
With Amazon now controlling both the film and game rights to 007, the company is betting that blurring the lines between cinema and interactive entertainment will define the next era of the Bond franchise. While IO Interactive delivered a strong start, the future of 007 in video games will be built in-house.