Amazon has softened its position on the future of the James Bond game series after earlier comments suggested that 007 First Light developer IO Interactive might not return for a sequel.
Jeff Gattis, general manager of Amazon Luna and Amazon Game Studios, now says it would be reasonable for IO Interactive to develop another Bond game if a sequel moves forward. He also stressed that Amazon has not made a final decision about the developer or publisher for the next project.
The clarification follows a negative reaction from players who enjoyed 007 First Light and wanted the Danish studio to continue working with the franchise. Amazon controls the relevant game rights, but Gattis said the company does not intend to move every project into its internal development structure.
| Area | Current position |
|---|---|
| 007 First Light sequel | Not officially confirmed |
| Sequel developer | Not decided |
| Likely development partner | IO Interactive |
| Amazon’s role | Holder of the game rights |
| IO Interactive acquisition | No active discussions |
| Wider strategy | Connect games with film, television and merchandise |
IO Interactive could remain responsible for the next Bond game
Gattis said Amazon and IO Interactive have not held detailed discussions about a sequel. His comments suggest that the strong response to 007 First Light has made the existing partnership difficult to ignore.
He described a sequel as a realistic possibility and acknowledged that IO Interactive would probably be the sensible developer to handle it. The studio already has experience building large stealth and action games through the Hitman series, which made it a natural fit for James Bond.
A change of developer could introduce unnecessary risk after the success of the first game. Players would expect a sequel to preserve its approach to missions, combat, espionage and cinematic storytelling. Keeping IO Interactive involved would also provide continuity in technology and creative direction.
Amazon still has the authority to make the final business decision because it controls the game rights. However, Gattis said the company would focus on what is best for the project rather than automatically transferring development to one of its internal teams.
That position is more cautious than his earlier comments, which left open the possibility that Amazon could assign a sequel elsewhere. The latest statement does not guarantee IO Interactive’s return, but it gives the studio a much stronger chance of remaining involved.
Amazon is not currently discussing an IO Interactive acquisition
Gattis was also asked whether Amazon might buy IO Interactive. He said many outcomes are possible in the games industry, but confirmed that no acquisition talks are currently taking place.
An acquisition would give Amazon direct control over the studio and its technology, but it would also require a large investment. IO Interactive operates independently and has built its business around publishing and developing its own projects.
The company’s future involvement with James Bond does not depend on an acquisition. Amazon could continue using a publishing or licensing agreement while allowing IO Interactive to remain independent.
This type of partnership may offer greater flexibility. Amazon would retain control of the Bond property while benefiting from a studio that has already demonstrated an understanding of the character and the expectations surrounding the franchise.
Games are becoming part of Amazon’s broader entertainment strategy
Amazon wants to connect its games more closely with films, television series and retail products. Gattis described a future in which Prime Video pages are organised around major properties rather than treating each show as a separate product.
A Tomb Raider page, for example, could bring together a television adaptation, new games and related merchandise. The same strategy could eventually apply to James Bond, allowing Amazon to promote games alongside films and other licensed products.
This approach places familiar intellectual properties at the centre of Amazon’s gaming plans. The company has already reduced its investment in some internally developed online games, including projects connected to New World and The Lord of the Rings.
At the same time, Amazon remains involved in publishing upcoming Tomb Raider titles. These include Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst, which are being developed with external studios.
The direction suggests that Amazon is becoming more selective about where it builds games internally. Instead of requiring every project to come from Amazon Game Studios, it can work with experienced external developers when that arrangement is more practical.
For the James Bond series, IO Interactive currently appears to be the strongest option. A sequel has not been formally announced, and no development agreement is confirmed, but Amazon’s latest comments indicate that the company recognises the value of keeping the original team in place.
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