A few weeks ago, online communities expressed strong reactions to the limited edition DualSense PS5 controller for 007: First Light. The controller features a striking all-gold finish and a central 007 motif with straight lines extending from a circular center, sparking debates about its design choices.
Public Backlash Over Bond Iconography
Critics pointed out that the straight lines deviated from the classic James Bond opening sequence, where a silhouetted Bond fires a pistol, revealing spiral rifling inside the gun barrel. Many expected curved lines to mimic this iconic spiral effect, leading to speculation about the deliberate straight design.
Art Director Clarifies the Intent
Rasmus Poulsen, art director at IO Interactive and author of the controller reveal post, addressed the design during a recent interview. “The thing about the straight lines is everybody can do just a gun barrel, right?” Poulsen stated. “But in that sense, I think it’s actually very telling that it’s not a straight-up gun barrel, because that is an icon of the franchise.”
He emphasized that rifling is rarely visible in real life or Bond films beyond the intro. “It isn’t actually anywhere,” Poulsen added. “I mean, it’s inside every weapon, of course – but now I’m getting ahead of myself.”
The design instead draws from the game’s user interface (UI) elements and its ‘light’ theme. “What we were trying to do with that was reference more how the UI of the game feels,” Poulsen explained. “So rather than simply making a franchise stamp, it relates to our product, in the sense that it has that UI sense – and then it has more of a, dare I say, ‘Sun’ flavour, referring back to the title.”
The title sequence showcases light rays traveling in straight lines, incorporating light and shadow motifs. With the central circle and radiating lines, the controller evokes a sunburst, aligning with the game’s core visuals.
This intentional choice avoids obvious references, offering a fresh take tied directly to 007: First Light‘s aesthetic.
