IO Interactive is the latest developer to clarify that its next game, 007 First Light, doesn’t use any generative AI. It’s all the more intriguing given the premise, with Eurogamer describing the plot as touching on “the intersection of artificial intelligence and defence companies.”
Art director Rasmus Poulsen found the mention funny because “of course, the thematics of Bond are often: beware of utopia, I would say. And utopia comes in many shapes and forms. And in that sense, there’s certainly some thematics there about these things that we are faced with currently.”
He would then state that generative AI hasn’t been used in development. “No, we haven’t. We haven’t worked with AI on the project, generative AI.” This came about after a “combined discussion between core execs in the studio”, and while he wouldn’t dive into the details because “it’s complicated,” it was a “large discussion.”
007 First Light serves as a new origin story in the Bond universe, showcasing the titular hero from his humble beginnings as a Royal Navy member in Iceland, attempting to rescue soldiers, to joining MI6. This version of Bond is brasher and more reckless but also idealistic, and while he has the support of MI6 head M and gadget designer Q, others like Greenway, who heads up the 00 program, aren’t as keen.
Launching on May 27th, 007 First Light will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC (with the Nintendo Switch 2 delayed to this Summer). Head here to learn more about three recently revealed missions, including gala where James has to hunt down an assassin. You can also check out TAXIN, a tactical simulator where you can replay story missions with different modifiers and earn new weapons, gadget upgrades and outfits.