2026 May Finally Answer the Question: James Bond or John Wick?

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The age-old question of who would win in a fight – James Bond or John Wick – might get a fun answer in 2026, thanks to new video games. While it won’t be a definitive conclusion, it’ll be interesting to see how these two characters stack up against each other in the gaming world. After over ten years without a new James Bond game, IO Interactive’s 007 First Light is bringing the iconic spy back as a young agent working to become a full-fledged 00 agent. Hot on its heels is an upcoming John Wick game from Saber Interactive and Lionsgate, and if both games release in 2026, they’ll likely be strong competitors.

The argument over whether James Bond or John Wick would win in a fight probably won’t be decided by upcoming video games, but those games will definitely add to the conversation. Currently, the John Wick game doesn’t have a release date, while the 007 First Light game is planned for May 27, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. If the John Wick game is delayed until next year, 007 First Light might gain an advantage in this ‘battle.’ But the bigger question remains: who will ultimately come out on top?

007 First Light and John Wick Both Have a Big Advantage Over the Other

Before we even learn details about the new John Wick game, the upcoming 007 First Light is ahead. It already has a set release date, indicating it’s further in development. But more importantly, First Light benefits from the long and established history of the James Bond franchise.

The James Bond franchise has a long history with video games, having launched nearly 40 adaptations since the 1980s – a stark contrast to John Wick. Considering the Bond series has existed for over six decades, James Bond is generally more widely known and loved than John Wick. The main reason for this difference is simply that John Wick is a newer franchise, while James Bond has had much more time to become a cultural icon.

Image via IO Interactive

As a huge action movie fan, it’s tough to say who’s more popular overall, but it’s amazing to think about how many people have seen a James Bond movie – around 20% of the entire world, apparently! John Wick definitely has a dedicated following, but it feels more focused on those of us who really love modern action. That widespread Bond recognition might give the 007 game, First Light, a real advantage. Plus, the fact that they’ve been making Bond games for years, and they keep doing well, makes me think First Light has a better shot at being a huge success than the John Wick game.

While many are anticipating the new John Wick game, it’s not the first video game based on the franchise. That distinction goes to John Wick Hex, developed by Bithell Games.

The Untitled John Wick Game Still Has Something 007 First Light Doesn’t

It’s also important to remember that turning movies or movie series into video games is notoriously difficult. Success often hinges on how original the game is and how well it portrays beloved characters. Consider Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – it really needed someone who could perfectly capture Harrison Ford’s personality and charm. That’s because Harrison Ford is Indiana Jones, and with the game’s realistic graphics, using anyone else in the role would have been incredibly jarring. Troy Baker did such a good job imitating Ford that it’s often hard to tell the difference between him and the original actor.

Just as Keanu Reeves is strongly associated with the character John Wick, his return in the upcoming John Wick game gives it a significant boost that the new 007 First Light game doesn’t have. While many actors have played James Bond over the years, and opinions differ on who best embodies the role, this constant change could actually benefit 007 First Light by allowing a fresh take on the character. However, the John Wick game already benefits from the established connection players have with Keanu Reeves, creating an instant emotional connection that First Light will struggle to match.

Both Games Will Still Have to Fight Their Own Battles

Both the upcoming 007 First Light and the new John Wick game face challenges, even with the ongoing fan debate about who would win in a fight between the two characters. The John Wick game has encountered doubts from the start, as successful video game adaptations of popular movies are rare. 007 First Light is also facing some skepticism, though its development is a little more well-known.

Initial gameplay videos of 007 First Light sparked some concerns about its speed and how characters moved, with some viewers finding the demo unpolished and not quite capturing the feel of a James Bond game. Early reviews described certain parts as slow or uninteresting. There’s been debate about the game’s design, as it appears to prioritize fast-paced action over the slow, careful stealth that defined IO Interactive’s Hitman series, potentially alienating some fans. A few players have also noted that the game’s look and style don’t always feel uniquely Bond-like, sometimes appearing somewhat generic.

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Even if 007 First Light and the new John Wick game are secretly competing with each other, they’ll both ultimately need to succeed on their own merits.

While 2026 likely won’t settle the debate over whether James Bond or John Wick is the better franchise, it will show us which one can create a successful, high-quality video game while staying true to its core identity. The upcoming 007 game has a long history, established brand recognition, and experience with gaming. The John Wick game benefits from the star power of Keanu Reeves, a consistent style, and his direct involvement. One franchise relies on its legacy, the other on a focused vision. Ultimately, the winning game won’t be judged by sales or popularity, but by how well it captures the spirit of its main character.

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2026-02-15 01:07