007 First Light to Skip Pre-Load on XBOX & Steam, PS5 Only Eligible

Just days after leaked copies of 007 First Light started spreading online ahead of launch, IO Interactive appears to be taking drastic measures behind the scenes. And now, PC and XBOX players are the ones paying the price for it.

PlayStation 5 gets 007 First Light pre-load while Steam and XBOXare left waiting

Per Arti_IOI’s comment on a Reddit post from 007FirstLight subreddit, it seems the studio has officially confirmed that 007 First Light will not support pre-loading on Steam or XBOX at all. Rather players on those platforms will only be allowed to start downloading the game once it officially launches. While the developer never directly blamed piracy for the missing pre-load option, the timing feels difficult to ignore.

Here’s the full comment (via Wccftech):

Hey there.

I unfortunately have to confirm that 007 First Light will not have a pre-load on Steam or XBOX. The earliest point to download the game on Steam and XBOX will be tied to the official release time. PlayStation will be the only platform with pre-load, as it is mandatory on the platform.

I know some of you were hoping to download the game ahead of launch, and I am sorry for the inconclusive communication on that.

According to IO Interactive, PS5 will be the only platform offering pre-load support because the feature is mandatory there. Meanwhile, Steam and XBOX users reportedly will have to wait until release time before even beginning the download process. Considering the game sits around 80GB in size, the reaction honestly has not been great.

Many players who purchased the Deluxe Edition specifically for early access are now arguing the bonus loses value entirely if they still need to spend hours downloading the game first. So, unless something shifts before launch, Steam and XBOX players should probably prepare for launch-day downloads instead of midnight gameplay.