IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the James Bond‑themed title 007 First Light during the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, giving him a hands‑on perspective on the creative and technical challenges that shaped the project. During his talk, Abrak will walk the audience through the full development pipeline of First Light, from the initial concept sketches that captured the iconic silhouette of 007 to the final polishing stages that delivered a seamless experience across multiple platforms. The game has already become IO Interactive’s fastest‑selling title, moving more than four million copies within the first three months of release—a milestone that surpasses the performance of the studio’s previous releases and underscores the enduring appeal of the Bond franchise.
First Light is also set to broaden its reach by arriving on the next‑generation Nintendo Switch 2 console in late 2026, a move that reflects IO Interactive’s strategy of making premium, narrative‑driven experiences accessible to a wider audience. "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light, a project that has been a dream for our team from day one," Abrak said in a recent statement. Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed the excitement, adding, "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an absolute honor to welcome Hakan and the talented crew from IO Interactive. I’m eager to hear the inside story of how they brought such an iconic spy to life and to learn about the innovative techniques they employed throughout production." Abrak will join a distinguished roster of industry veterans at the New Horizons event.
The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering the keynote address, Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, and a forward‑looking panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games.” The AI panel will feature Tommy Thompson from AI and Games, Duyguy Cakmak of Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier from Splash Damage, who will discuss realistic expectations and practical applications of artificial intelligence in modern game design. The conference schedule also offers a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, providing insights into the evolving relationship between large publishers and independent studios. Another notable session, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will be moderated by Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, alongside Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible and Ian Masters of Flick Games, focusing on the financial pathways that help indie developers scale their operations.
In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the commercial success of First Light, noting that while the title has not yet fully recouped its development costs due to ongoing royalty agreements and partnership structures, it has already exceeded the studio’s original expectations. "It’s a massive record for us, and by every metric it’s shaping up to be a huge new success," he said. This sentiment highlights the delicate balance between upfront sales, long‑term licensing fees, and the strategic value of aligning with a globally recognized brand like James Bond. Looking ahead, IO Interactive is reportedly in “ongoing conversations” with Amazon, the current license holder for the Bond franchise, about the broader future of the partnership.
While the immediate focus remains on supporting First Light and its upcoming live‑service extensions, Abrak hinted that discussions will eventually move beyond the current title. "Soon, sometime in the future, we’ll be talking about the long‑term plans between Amazon and IOI," he remarked, suggesting that further Bond‑related projects could be on the horizon.
Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16, offering a three‑day showcase of cutting‑edge game development, investment strategies, and industry trends. GameIndustry.biz serves as a media partner for the event, providing coverage and analysis for attendees and the broader gaming community. Overall, Abrak’s participation underscores IO Interactive’s commitment to delivering high‑quality, narrative‑driven experiences while navigating the complexities of licensing, distribution, and cross‑platform deployment. His session promises valuable insights for developers, publishers, and fans alike, shedding light on how a beloved cultural icon can be reimagined for a new generation of gamers.