Amazon to Publish Future James Bond Games After 007 IP Buy

Amazon will publish future James Bond video games following its acquisition of the 007 intellectual property. MGM and Amazon Game Studios are expected to manage publishing for sequels, while IO Interactive may continue as the developer.

IO Interactive developed and self-published 007 First Light before Amazon purchased the James Bond rights. The acquisition took place after First Light’s development and publishing arrangements were completed, so Amazon did not control the original title.

Jeff Gattis, general manager of gaming at Amazon, said, “We did not make First Light” and that Amazon “didn’t have the full rights to this First Light James Bond game” during its development. He added that future sequels would be “done by MGM and, theoretically, by Amazon Game Studios.” Those remarks indicate Amazon and MGM will oversee publishing now that Amazon owns the IP.

Discussions between IO Interactive and Amazon are expected about future projects and their working relationship. IO Interactive led development on First Light and handled its initial publishing, and the studio’s involvement and the game’s commercial performance are factors in ongoing talks. Specific contract terms, timetables for sequels and whether IO will develop particular future titles were not disclosed.

First Light established a new continuity for the character and drew positive reviews and strong early sales. With Amazon holding the IP, publishing responsibilities for follow-up James Bond games will move to MGM and Amazon Game Studios unless separate agreements state otherwise.