IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is set to lead a dedicated session on the creation of 007 First Light at the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In his dual capacity as both CEO and game director for the title, Abrak will provide an insider’s view of the development process behind the latest James Bond adventure, a project that has already become the studio’s most rapid commercial success. Within the first three months of its release, the game has moved more than four million units, positioning it as the fastest‑selling title in IO Interactive’s history.
The company has also announced that a version for the next‑generation Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for a late‑2026 launch, expanding the game’s reach to a broader console audience. When asked about his participation, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm: "I’m thrilled to attend Game Republic New Horizons and share the story of 007 First Light, a project that has been a dream for our team at IO Interactive." His remarks underscore the personal passion that fuels the studio’s dedication to the iconic spy franchise. Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed this sentiment, noting his own deep appreciation for the Bond series. "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an enormous honour to host Hakan and the IO Interactive crew at our conference.
I’m eager to hear the details of how the brilliant 007 First Light came together and how the talented team managed to breathe new life into such a legendary character," he said. Abrak’s appearance joins a robust roster of industry veterans scheduled for New Horizons.
Among the headline speakers is legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the opening keynote. The event will also feature Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer at Landfall, and a thought‑provoking panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games.” This discussion will include AI specialist Tommy Thompson, Creative Assembly’s Duyguy Cakmak, and Matthias Siemonsmeier from Splash Damage, offering diverse perspectives on the realistic integration of artificial intelligence within interactive entertainment. In addition to the main programming, the Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, providing insights into strategic partnerships and market dynamics.
Another panel, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will see contributions from Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games, delivering practical advice for emerging studios seeking early‑stage funding. Abrak recently opened up to GamesIndustry.biz about the financial performance of First Light. He explained, "We haven’t fully recouped the investment yet because of the partnership structure and royalty arrangements, but the results have already surpassed our most optimistic forecasts. By every metric, this title is shaping up to be a monumental record for us—a huge success that exceeds our original expectations." Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in active dialogue with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license.
While concrete details are still under discussion, Abrak hinted that conversations are focused on the future trajectory of the franchise beyond First Light. "We’ll be talking about longer‑term plans between Amazon and IO Interactive in due course," he said, suggesting that the partnership could yield further Bond‑related projects or expansions.
Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16. The three‑day event promises a blend of high‑level industry insight, networking opportunities, and deep dives into the creative and business aspects of game development.
As part of its media partnership, GameIndustry.biz will provide coverage and analysis throughout the conference, ensuring that the broader gaming community stays informed about the key announcements and discussions. The inclusion of Hakan Abrak’s session highlights the growing importance of narrative‑driven, high‑profile IP collaborations in the modern gaming landscape.
By sharing the challenges and triumphs of bringing a storied character like James Bond to life in a contemporary interactive format, Abrak aims to inspire both seasoned developers and newcomers alike. His talk will likely explore topics ranging from the intricacies of licensing negotiations and the balance between fan expectations and innovative gameplay, to the technical hurdles of delivering a seamless experience across multiple platforms, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Overall, the New Horizons conference offers a unique platform for industry leaders to exchange ideas, showcase breakthroughs, and discuss the future direction of video games.
With a lineup that spans hardware pioneers, AI experts, investment strategists, and creative visionaries, attendees can expect a comprehensive view of where the medium is headed. For fans of James Bond and gamers eager to learn about the behind‑the‑scenes effort that fuels blockbuster titles, Hakan Abrak’s presentation promises to be a highlight of the schedule.