James Bond Video Game Woke: ‘007 First Light’ Bond Evolved’ to Reflect Modern Values

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Recent statements from Martin Emborg, the narrative and cinematic director of the James Bond game 007 First Light, are sparking discussion among dedicated James Bond fans.

In a recent interview, Emborg explained that the famous spy has been updated to reflect current beliefs, moving away from how he was typically shown in the past.

“Not Your Old School Bond”

When asked if James Bond would continue to be a charming, womanizing character, Niels Emborg confirmed that aspect would remain, though with some important limitations (according to MonsterVine).

Absolutely. Bond has changed over the years to keep up with the times. The character reflects today’s values, so you won’t see the same old-fashioned Bond – that just wouldn’t work now. He’s been updated to be a man of today.

As a critic, the moment I heard the phrase “modern values,” a red flag went up. It’s become shorthand among fans for when beloved, established characters are changed – often toned down or reimagined – to align with current social trends, and it rarely bodes well. It immediately made me wonder if they were going to start ‘fixing’ things that didn’t need fixing.

A Different Take on James Bond

As a big Bond fan, I found it interesting that 007 First Light shows us a very young Bond just starting out at MI6. It’s a different take because we’re seeing him before he’s the polished, self-assured agent we all know and love – it’s all about his early training and how he becomes that character.

According to Emborg, the new game seems to be moving away from the traditional characteristics that have made James Bond iconic for many years.

IO Interactive has emphasized giving players freedom, delivering a movie-like experience, and focusing on spy-themed action. However, fans are now wondering how much the game will change the classic Bond character and if he’ll still feel like the iconic, tough agent we know.

Release info

The release of the game 007 First Light has been pushed back and is now planned for May 27, 2026. It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and the new Nintendo Switch 2.

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2026-01-01 03:31