In 2026, the longstanding fan debate over who would win in a clash between the world's most iconic secret agent and his most relentless killer may finally be answered — through video games. Okay, maybe that's not a definitive answer, but it will at least be interesting to see how the two iconic titles might fare in a head-to-head battle. After more than a decade without a proper James Bond game, IO Interactive 007 First Light is set to put the legendary MI6 agent back in the hands of gamers with an ambitious action-adventure story that puts Bond in the role of a young, untested recruit who earns his place in the ranks of Double-O. Now, not too far behind in the hype, it is untitled John Wick a game from Saber Interactive and Lionsgate that could give if it was also released in 2026 007 First Light a run for your money.
Of course, the success or failure of the two new video games won't settle the debate about who would win in a fight between James Bond and John Wick, but it could still contribute to the discussion on both sides. Plus no title John Wick the game currently has no release window, while 007 First Light is scheduled for May 27, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. He should John Wick wait until next year (which is likely), 007 First Light can win this fight. But the ultimate question is who will win the war?
The upcoming FPS game on Steam has serious GoldenEye 007 vibes
The upcoming first-person shooter is attracting the attention of fans of retro games, as it feels like a spiritual successor to the legendary GoldenEye 007.
007 First Light and John Wick have a big advantage over the others
Even before we learn anything more about the untitled John Wick game, 007 First Light has a clear advantage over him. sure, First Light it already has a firm release date, and that also means it's still in development. While this could be seen as an advantage, it is less than the extensive history that the upcoming James Bond title has.
Unlike John WickThe 007 franchise has seen nearly 40 video game adaptations since the 1980s, i.e. First Light coming into seasoned territory. That's not all either, as the IP itself has been around for over six decades, meaning that James Bond is universally more popular than John Wickalthough there is some nuance involved. However, the nuance is just that John Wick the franchise is newer and 007 has had more time to make a cultural mark.
It's impossible to determine which action hero is more objectively loved, but it's worth noting that it's estimated that somewhere around 20% of the world's population has seen at least one 007 film in his lifetime, while John WickThe audience is more concentrated among fans of modern action. That alone can be enough of a sign 007 First Light may have an easier time sticking the landing than John Wickand when you throw in the fact that video game IP adaptations are happening because it's still finding success, chances are First Light rises higher than John Wick they are even bigger.
Coming John Wick the game is not the first IP adaptation to receive this honor John Wick Hex by Bithell Games.
The Untitled John Wick Game still has something 007 First Light doesn't
However, there is another factor to consider, and that is that video game adaptations of movies or movie franchises are very difficult to do well, with a lot of it depending on the originality (or lack thereof) and how iconic characters are represented. Take the game as Indiana Jones and the Great Circlewhich probably couldn't have been done without Harrison Ford, or at least someone who captured his mannerisms and charisma to a tee. This is because Harrison Ford is Indiana Jones and for a game adaptation with such realistic visuals it would be too distracting to portray someone else. As a result, Troy Baker had to perfect his Harrison Ford/Indiana Jones impression, and he did so much that it's sometimes hard to tell if you're staring at Ford or Baker imitating him.
Likewise, Keanu Reeves is John Wick, so with the actor reprising his role in the upcoming one John Wick a game that gives the title an advantage that 007 First Light doesn't have The 007 franchise has seen many actors portray James Bond throughout its extensive life, and while Daniel Craig was the latest talent to wear the mantle, not everyone agrees on which actor “is” James Bond, or even which actor delivered the best portrayal. That constant shift could play a role 007 First Lightfavor because the face and voice of the game's James Bond had never held the role before. At the same time, John Wick the game already has the power of association to back it up, with Keanu Reeves' involvement acting as a built-in emotional anchor that First Light cannot be replicated.
Both games will still have to fight their own battles
Even if there is some unspoken, metaphorical battle going on between them 007 First Light and untitled John Wick game, no doubt fueled by the ongoing debate over who would win in a clash between James Bond and John Wick, both games will eventually have to fight their own battles anyway. John Wick already faced skepticism before its unveiling, simply because the odds of adapting a AAA game that has never been made before achieving success are historically low. 007 First Light it also faces skepticism, although it is a little less mysterious.
First footage from the game 007 First Light raised eyebrows over the pacing and detail of the animation, suggesting that parts of the demo didn't seem polished or “Bond-esque” enough, and several reviewers called parts underwhelming or “boring” in early reactions. IO Interactive's design direction has also been discussed, with the game reportedly emphasizing forward momentum and faster action over slow, deliberate stealth, which would be a major shift from Hitman's, the developer's biggest franchise, a methodical style that can divide fans. The character presentation and stylistic choices were also questioned, with a small minority feeling 007 First Light sometimes looks or feels generic rather than distinctly James Bond.
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Even if there is some unspoken, metaphorical battle going on between them 007 First Light and untitled John Wick game…both games will eventually have to fight their own battles anyway.
2026 may not crown a definitive winner in the Bond versus Wick debate, but it could reveal which franchise can successfully translate its identity into a modern AAA game. 007 First Light it carries decades of heritage, built-in recognition and a long history with the medium itself. Untitled John Wick the game carries the unique star power, tonal consistency and weight of Keanu Reeves' direct involvement. One has history on his side, the other has precision and clarity. When the two finally step into the ring, the real winner won't be determined by box office numbers or cultural longevity, but by which game feels the most authentic to the character it represents.
- Released
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May 27, 2026
- ESRB
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Teen / Blood, language, violence
