007: First Light — A Tactical Preview Worth the Watch

IO Interactive’s 34-minute gameplay reveal of 007: First Light offers a focused look at what players can expect from this upcoming stealth-action title and it's bad ass. Known for their work on the Hitman series, IO is applying their expertise to the Bond universe with precision and flair. If I had to imagine IO Interactive making their own spy-based action adventure game... it would look just 007: First Light:

As you see, the gameplay reveal highlights a blend of stealth, tactical movement, and cinematic execution. Players navigate multi-path environments, disable security systems with gadgets, and engage in hand-to-hand combat when necessary. The pacing is deliberate, encouraging thoughtful play that reminds me of Hitman with 10 times the action. It almost feels like Hitman meets Just Cause, and I can't wait... to play! I'm keeping my expectations realistic while also wondering how IO Interactive will treat the life cycle of this game.

Lighting, sound, and environmental design play a role in how missions unfold. The game rewards patience and planning, with reactive AI and layered objectives that evolve as players progress. We've seen situations shift in Hitman... so we'll see how this all translates when it comes to the action.

 Presentation and Immersion 

Camera work is tight and purposeful, keeping the player grounded in the moment. Voice acting and mission scripting reflect the tone of a young Bond—(someone) controlled, clever, and relentless from what I see. You still get the tension of Hitman in this game as well, and I'm trying not to put this in those shoes at all... but they aren't bad shoes to model Bond's spy-friendly shoes after.

 Why We’re Excited 

• Tactical depth without overwhelming complexity (sometimes this got to me in Hitman)

• Strong visual and audio direction (feels like it could be a 007 film)

• A fresh take on Bond that respects the legacy (they went back far enough to justify differences)

• IO’s proven track record with stealth mechanics (duh of the day)

007: First Light isn’t trying to be everything—but what it appears to have going is something that has turned my head and people already know IOI. This was the perfect project for them. Will that make it the perfect game? I have no idea, but we shall see! 007: First Light drops on March 27, 2026 on PC | PS5 | XSX | NS2!

If they stick the landing, this could be one of the most grounded and satisfying stealth titles of the year. On that note, wouldn't it be cool to see Avalanche Studios (the dev team behind Just Cause) make a move to develop a... Mission Impossible game?

 + Sophi 

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FTS: Gearbox Entertainment X Embracer Group

Embracer Group and The Gearbox Entertainment Company Successfully Complete Merger

 

FRISCO, Texas (April 6, 2021) – The Gearbox Entertainment Company and Embracer Group announced today that they successfully closed on their up to $1.3 billion merger agreement. Embracer and Gearbox announced in February of 2021 their intention to merge. With this, Gearbox Entertainment is the seventh operating group in the Karlstad, Sweden-headquartered Embracer Group, which has an extensive catalog of more than 240 franchises and more than 7,000 employees around the world. The merger fuels positions Gearbox for rapid growth with its robust IP catalog, AAA development studios, and North American publishing capabilities. 

 

“Our team is incredibly excited about the opportunity we now have,” said Randy Pitchford, founder of The Gearbox Entertainment Company. “Far from riding off into the sunset, we are now positioned to launch new IP, do more with our existing brands, grow our base of incredibly talented team members, and capitalize on new opportunities in our mission to entertain the world. This just the start."

 

With its 550 team members in Frisco, Texas, and Quebec City, Gearbox Entertainment is best known for its critically and commercially successful Borderlands and Brothers in Arms franchises and the development of award-winning, best-selling games in the Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, 007 James Bond, and Halo franchises.   

 

“This was the largest merger that Embracer has undertaken. I am grateful to Randy and his entire team for their enthusiasm, creativity, and vision, says Lars Wingefors, founder and CEO of Embracer Group. "We are confident in Gearbox's long-term future within Embracer Group."

 

Juno Capital Partners and Union Square Advisors LLC acted as M&A and financial advisors to Gearbox on this transaction and Fenwick & West acted as legal counsel.

 

About The Gearbox Entertainment Company

The Gearbox Entertainment Company, LLC is an award-winning, independent creator and distributor of transmedia entertainment for people around the world. Gearbox Entertainment develops and publishes products through its subsidiaries, Gearbox Software and Gearbox Publishing. Gearbox Entertainment has become widely known for successful game franchises including Brothers in Arms and Borderlands, as well as acquired properties Duke Nukem and Homeworld, which it distributes across the world. Gearbox Software is an award-winning, independent developer of interactive entertainment based in Frisco, Texas. It was founded in 1999 by game industry veterans, and its first release was Half-Life: Opposing Force. Gearbox Publishing was established in 2016 with the goal of helping developers around the world bring their products to market while retaining their unique creative visions. More information can be found at www.GearboxSoftware.com.

- D. Hewitt

This is the first time I've ever heard of Embracer, but it's behind a lot of recognizable games. I like games in their catalog but some completely sucked, so I hope this is good news for Gearbox and not the deathblow. We know how big wigs can affect games, but if they increase or maintain quality then this will pay off.

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Phantom Doctrine

We received this game from the cool folks over at Good Shepard Entertainment recently, and so far I can sum it up in one word, addictive. - Yang 

I didn't play it yet, but it looks badass. I hesitate because I suck at RTS games. This is turn-based but still, I get a little intimidated. It's all good, I can kick back, eat snacks and enjoy the gameplay. - Luis D. Lucha

Phantom Doctrine pulled me in from the jump, and after getting a taste of the tutorial... I was ready for action. Not to downplay this story at all, but I think the developer (CreativeForge Games) could also create a Hitman game with a similar feel. The adventure would be different... so it wouldn't be stepping on this IPs toes. Anyway, check out Phantom Doctrine's info below and look forward to the pending review... after I've gotten the opportunity to actually dive deep into the story + the other ins and outs. Game on! - Blu

Save 10% on Phantom Doctrine until... August 28th! (TICK TOCK) - RkRk

DESCRIPTION

Phantom Doctrine is a strategic turn-based espionage thriller set at the peak of the Cold War. Drawing on a wide variety of influences and capturing the subtle intrigue of classic spy films, the game thrust the player into a mysterious world of covert operations, counterintelligence, conspiracy, and paranoia. 

As leader of a secret organization known only as The Cabal, you are charged with preventing a global conspiracy that seeks to pit leader against leader, and nation against nation. By carrying out secret missions, investigating classified files, and interrogating enemy agents, a sinister plot is uncovered. With the clock ticking, it must be thwarted in order to save the world from an unthinkable fate.

Features

• A Deep Single Player Story Campaign: the 40+ hour Single player campaign mode features a rich gripping plot woven with numerous historical events and characters to bring the terrifying reality of the Cold War to life from a unique perspective.

• Next-generation turn-based combat: offers unprecedented flexibility of movement and actions, including variable Overwatch modes and assault-oriented Breach ability.

• Expanded battlefield: assets can be positioned around the world, enabling you to call for assistance in the heat of battle. But the enemy can also bring in reinforcements, including heavy weapons and even air support. Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight.

• Knowledge is power: Improve your chances of success by infiltrating mission locations with undercover operatives. Attempt to stay one step ahead of enemy agents, who are also preparing to spring their own devious traps.

• Lurk in the shadows with fully-fledged stealth gameplay: Clandestine operations can be completed with muffled weapons, silent takedowns and cutting-edge Cold War technology.

• Take charge of the crucial counterintelligence operation: Recruit from both the KGB and the CIA, the criminal fraternity, or even utilize the unique talents of subjects of secret government experiments. Weapons, resources, and contacts can be secured around the globe, enabling you to command from afar. But if the situation requires a hands-on approach, you will be locked, loaded and ready to fight.

• Innovative Investigation Board: Utilizing a classic pinboard and string approach, the Investigation Board is the hub from where cases, locations and individuals can be researched to reveal new missions, resources and technologies. In Phantom Doctrine, investigation and intel is an active and vital element of success.

• Multiplayer Battles: lose friends and make new enemies in ruthless online multiplayer matches. Experience the deviousness and lethality of Phantom Doctrine in accessible 1v1 skirmishes.

• Utilize ruthless Technology: New capabilities can either be stolen from the enemy or researched and then ruthlessly used to your advantage. Often experimental and morally dubious, brainwashing, interrogation, body engineering and chemical enhancement are all fair game as you extract information by any means necessary.

• Fully customizable character creation: Operatives can be customized each time they need a new identity. Change their appearance, forge their documents, train them in the deadly arts and send them back into the field.

• Carefully Designed hand-crafted levels: Combining the best of both worlds: the quality of large, hand-designed maps and meticulous, smart design ensuring visual and gameplay variety. Travel the world of the 1980s in the grip of the Cold War on both sides of the Iron Curtain.

• Replayable modular campaign: a wide array of mechanics ensures markedly different playthroughs. A unique experience is guaranteed by randomly generated character names and backgrounds, algorithmically populated and adapted maps and randomized intelligence snippets.

• A spy thriller from two different points of view: Play as either a former KGB counterintelligence operative or a renegade CIA wet work commando. Each has to come to terms with the truth and challenge the global conspiracy. Complete the campaign to be rewarded with an additional protagonist in Extended Playthrough.

• No mission is too big or too small: whether infiltrating a busy government facility to clinically assassinate a target, or mounting a full frontal assault on an enemy base. With optional objectives linked to a mission’s complexity, as well as loot and intelligence to collect, every decision has an impact.

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