Amazon MGM Studios acquired creative control of the James Bond franchise last year, and the future of IO Interactive’s acclaimed 007 First Light game series now lies with the tech giant. According to an interview with Polygon from Amazon GM of gaming Jeff Gattis , the IP deal came after IO’s game was already developed, meaning sequels will be published by Amazon—though whether IO will develop them remains uncertain. the move has sparked fan anxiety that Amazon could sideline the studio that made the game a hit.

Jeff Gattis Confirms the IP Deal Came After IO’s ‘007 First Light’

Speaking to Polygon, Amazon’s general manager of gaming, Jeff Gattis, explicitly stated that the James Bond franchise acquisition by Amazon MGM Studios took place after IO Interactive’s development deal for 007 First Light was already finalized. “The James Bond IP acquisition happened after the First Light IO deal was already done,” Gattis told the outlet.. This means that IO’s current project was never under Amazon’s direct oversight, and the company self-published the original title. The clarification, however, does little to settle the long-term question of who will develop the next Bond installment.

Reddit Backlash Over Amazon’s ‘Feat Accomplished Together’ Language

In statements to VGC,an Amazon spokesperson noted that “Amazon MGM holds the rights to any future James Bond video games but it’s still too early to discuss future projects.” Shortly after, a Reddit user named tayung2013 expressed skepticism about the company’s wording: “They are patting themselves on the back for IOI’s work and will happily cut them out of the picture next time if they think it will save them a buck.” The reaction highlights a broader distrust of Amazon’s approacch to acquired IP—many fans worry that the company will prioritise cost-cutting over creative continuity.

Why 007 First Light’s Sandbox Stealth Gameplay Is Hard to Replicate

As Polygon reported, 007 First Light is widely praised for its “sandbox stealth gameplay” that only IO Interactive can deliver. The game’s “genetic essence” is so distinguished that it would be “drastic and foolish,” as the source notes,for Amazon to hand development to another studio. Analysts have pointed out that losing IO would not only trigger fan boycotts but also force Amazon to find a new developer capable of replicating the nuanced mechanics that made the first title a success. This puts pressure on Amazon to retain the original team.

The Open Question: Which Studio Develops the Next Bond Game?

Amazon has not confirmed whether IO Interactive will be contracted for a sequel. According to the Polygon interview, Gattis said that “any sequels would now be done by MGM and, theoretically, by Amazon Game Studios.” The word “theoretically” leaves room for doubt. Meanwhile, the company’s gaming division has faced well-documented struggles with high-profile cancellations and studio closures, making it unlikely that an internal team could produce a Bond game of similar calibre in the near term. For now, fans are left to wait—and watch Amazon’s next move.