IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the creation of the new James Bond title, 007 First Light, during the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In his dual capacity as both CEO and game director for First Light, Abrak will provide an insider’s view of the development process behind the latest Bond adventure, which has already become the studio’s fastest‑selling game ever, moving more than four million units within the first three months of release. The title is also set to arrive on the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console in late 2026, expanding its audience to the next generation of handheld gamers.
"I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to discuss 007 First Light, a project that has been a dream for IO Interactive," Abrak remarked in a recent press release. His enthusiasm reflects the studio’s broader ambition to push the Bond franchise into new technical and narrative territories while staying true to the iconic spy’s legacy. Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed that sentiment, noting, "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honour to welcome Hakan and his team. I’m eager to hear how the brilliant 007 First Light was crafted and how the talented crew managed to breathe fresh life into such a legendary character." Abrak’s appearance is part of a star‑studded lineup of industry veterans scheduled for New Horizons.
The agenda includes a keynote address from Ken Kutaragi, the legendary architect of PlayStation, as well as a presentation by Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, who will share insights on navigating today’s gaming market. A particularly timely panel titled "Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games" will feature thought leaders such as Tommy Thompson (AI and Games), Duyguy Cakmak (Creative Assembly), and Matthias Siemonsmeier (Splash Damage), who will debate the realistic expectations and practical applications of artificial intelligence in interactive entertainment. The conference will also host a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s business development director, Teddy Keefe, focusing on strategic partnerships and global market expansion.
Another panel, "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment," will bring together Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games to discuss the nuances of early‑stage financing for indie developers. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance, acknowledging that while the game has not yet fully recouped its development costs due to ongoing royalty agreements and partnership structures, the results have exceeded the studio’s most optimistic forecasts.
"It’s a massive, massive record for us, and by every metric it represents a huge new success," he said, underscoring the importance of long‑term revenue streams such as post‑launch content and licensing deals. Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond video‑game license, regarding the franchise’s broader future. For now, the dialogue centers on the lifecycle of First Light and the potential for additional downloadable content or expansions.
Abrak hinted that future discussions could evolve into more ambitious collaborations, stating, "Soon, sometime in the future, we’ll be talking about the next steps between Amazon and IOI." Game Republic New Horizons will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16. The event promises a blend of high‑level strategic talks, hands‑on technical sessions, and networking opportunities for developers, investors, and media alike. GameIndustry.biz will serve as a media partner, providing coverage and analysis throughout the three‑day summit. Attendees can expect a deep dive into the creative decisions that shaped 007 First Light’s narrative arc, character design, and gameplay mechanics.
Abrak plans to discuss how the team balanced the classic Bond formula—gadgets, espionage, and cinematic set‑pieces—with modern gaming expectations such as open‑world exploration, player agency, and seamless multiplayer integration. He will also touch on the technical challenges of optimizing the game for both high‑end PCs and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, highlighting the studio’s cross‑platform development pipeline. Beyond the specifics of First Light, the session will explore broader industry trends, including the resurgence of licensed IPs, the role of narrative-driven experiences in a market dominated by live‑service titles, and the importance of community engagement in sustaining a game’s lifespan.
Abrak’s insights are expected to be valuable not only for fans of the Bond franchise but also for developers seeking to navigate the complex landscape of intellectual‑property negotiations and global distribution. Overall, the New Horizons conference aims to provide a platform where seasoned veterans and emerging talent can share knowledge, forge partnerships, and discuss the future direction of interactive entertainment. With Hakan Abrak’s participation, the event underscores the growing significance of high‑profile licensed games and the strategic importance of aligning creative vision with business objectives in today’s competitive gaming ecosystem.