IO Interactive's James Bond adventure 007 First Light has absolutely popped off at launch, selling 2.7 million copies in its very first week. According to Eurogamer, IO studio director Hakan Abrak revealed the figures in a post-Summer Game Fest 2026 press presentation, adding that the game is now "closer to 3 million copies sold."
For a studio that built its reputation on Hitman's bald assassin, pivoting to the world's most famous spy was a massive gamble - and it looks like that gamble is paying off harder than a blackjack table in Monte Carlo. Week one numbers like these put First Light comfortably in AAA hit territory, and the momentum doesn't seem to be slowing down.
Free content incoming - no season pass required
On top of the strong sales, Abrak also reiterated that all Year One content for the game will be completely free. That's right - IO Interactive is apparently not interested in nickel-and-diming players with a battle pass or a £40 story DLC that should have been in the base game.
In an era where games ship with more microtransaction storefronts than actual levels, this is the kind of consumer-friendly move that deserves a standing ovation - or at least a raised eyebrow and a martini. IO clearly wants to keep the player base engaged and growing rather than fracturing it behind paywalls.
From Hitman to 007 - a new franchise unlocked
IO Interactive stepping away from Agent 47 to tackle Bond was one of gaming's most intriguing side quests, and early signs suggest they've absolutely nailed the assignment. Hitting 2.7 million copies in week one signals that players were hungry for a proper Bond game after years of drought in the spy-game genre.
If IO can keep the free content pipeline flowing and maintain that momentum, 007 First Light could very well evolve into the foundation of a long-running franchise. Bond always comes back, and apparently so do strong opening week sales figures. Per Eurogamer's report, it's safe to say the mission is far from over.
