IO Interactive is celebrating a record-breaking launch for 007 First Light, which moved 1.5 million copies in just its first 24 hours on sale. That pace makes it the fastest-selling title the Danish studio has ever produced, outpacing every entry in the Hitman series over the same one-day window.
The milestone arrives even though the Nintendo Switch 2 edition has yet to ship, with that version scheduled to arrive later this summer. The James Bond spy thriller has also earned the best critical reception of any IOI release to date, currently sitting at an 87 on Metacritic.
PS5 Pro: 007 First Light Hits 60fps is one of several technical talking points surrounding the game, but the commercial performance has dominated conversation since launch day.
The milestone of 1.5 million units sold in 24 hours reflects overwhelming global enthusiasm for 007 First Light and represents a significant achievement for IO Interactive. With an 88 OpenCritic rating and 87 Metacritic score, 007 First Light has been embraced by both critics and players alike, already establishing itself as one of 2026’s most successful gaming releases. The sales recorded across all platforms underscore the game’s broad appeal and the successful execution of IO Interactive’s vision to honor Bond’s legacy in gaming.
Rhys Elliott, head of market analysis at Alinea Analytics,
007 First Light had sold an estimated 500,000 copies on Steam alone, generating around $25 million in revenue on Valve’s platform.
“The Steam performance really stood out for this one,” Elliott said. “It’s the latest example of a traditionally ‘console’ game doing fantastic numbers on Steam.” About a third of 007 First Light players on Steam have also played Hitman, Elliott added.
“For Amazon, which owns the Bond rights and licensed IOI to make this game, the early signs are bloody good,” he continued. “The franchise hasn’t had a quality adaptation in decades, and IOI has now delivered one that looks like a serious commercial proposition.”
The debut is certainly encouraging for 007, though the real test will come over the next several weeks and months as word of mouth spreads. For comparison, Crimson Desert sold 2 million copies in its first 24 hours back in March, then climbed to 5 million in under a month.
IOI is clearly hoping for sustained momentum that would support a follow-up. The studio has already stated its ambition to build a trilogy of James Bond games. When Can You Start Playing 007 First Light? was a question that dominated pre-launch chatter, and now attention is shifting toward what comes next for the franchise.
Players still working through their first assignments can find help in our 007 First Light Guide, which covers Essential Tips and Tricks plus 6 Tips for Mastering Stealth. There are also guides to All Collectible Locations, Safe Combinations and Keypad Codes, and an in-progress Walkthrough for those who need mission assistance.
