How music breathed life into the new James Bond video game

Abbey Road studios was alive with the sound of music in November 2025 as conductor Matt Dunkley pushed the London Chamber Orchestra’s brass section to their limits. With just half a day to record 32 minutes of music for the upcoming James Bond video game, 007 First Light, the musicians faced four hours of intense playing.

Composer Alexis Smith, who collaborated with co-writer Joe Henson on the game’s score for two years, prepared the musicians for a rigorous day ahead. As 24 musicians gathered in Abbey Road to breathe life into the music they meticulously crafted in their east London studio, excitement filled the air. The duo, known as The Flight, marveled at the opportunity to work with the best brass players in the world, acknowledging the authenticity and power live instruments bring to the music.

In the realm of James Bond, music plays a crucial role, almost as vital as the character of 007 himself. With iconic themes created by Monty Norman and John Barry, the Bond franchise has a legacy of memorable, suspenseful music that The Flight sought to uphold in their latest project. Their work on First Light, presenting a new take on Bond’s origin story, received praise for its ability to balance action-packed sequences with moments of depth and intrigue.

“Film scores really drive you through things,” said Smith, emphasizing the importance of music in setting the tone and enhancing the player’s experience. From the dark, electronic sounds of the Iceland mission to the nostalgic motifs from classic Bond films, The Flight successfully integrated the game into the well-established Bond universe.

Transitioning from pop and electronic music backgrounds to creating an orchestral suite for such a prestigious project presented a challenge for The Flight. Despite their experience in scoring games like Alien: Isolation and Assassin’s Creed, the responsibility of contributing to the Bond legacy brought both excitement and nervousness. Drawing inspiration from the scores of past Bond films and the memories of watching them with loved ones, the duo approached the project with reverence and care.

The project’s trajectory was briefly in question when Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson relinquished creative control to new owners, Amazon MGM Studios. The sudden change in leadership during production signaled the magnitude of the Bond franchise and the pressure to deliver a game that would live up to the expectations of fans and critics alike.

With nods to classic Bond elements and innovative sound design, First Light captures the essence of the iconic spy while offering a fresh perspective on his origin story. The Flight’s dedication to crafting a dynamic and immersive musical experience illustrates the integral role music plays in shaping the world of James Bond and enhancing the player’s journey through the game.