IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the creation of the new James Bond game, 007 First Light, during the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In his dual capacity as the company’s CEO and the game’s director, Abrak will provide an in‑depth look at the development process behind the title, which has already become the studio’s fastest‑selling product ever, moving more than four million units within its first three months on the market. The game is also set to expand its platform reach with a launch on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, scheduled for late 2026.
"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 IO Interactive from day one," Abrak remarked in a recent interview. His comments underscore the personal passion the team brings to the iconic spy franchise, as well as the commercial success that has exceeded the studio’s original forecasts.
Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed that enthusiasm: "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s just a huge honour to welcome Hakan and IO Interactive to our conference. I can’t wait to learn more about the brilliant 007 First Light’s creation and how the talented team worked on bringing such an iconic character to life." Sefton’s remarks highlight the anticipation surrounding the session, given the game’s blend of cinematic storytelling and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Abrak’s appearance is part of a broader lineup of industry veterans slated for New Horizons. The agenda includes a keynote from legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, a business‑focused address by Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer at Landfall, and a thought‑provoking panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games.” The AI panel will feature Tommy Thompson of AI and Games, Duyguy Cakmak from Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage, who will discuss realistic expectations for 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, offering insights into cross‑border investment strategies. Another panel, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will see Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games share practical advice for indie developers navigating early‑stage financing.
When asked about First Light’s commercial performance, Abrak told GamesIndustry.biz, "We haven’t completely recouped yet because there’s a partnership as well, and royalties. But it’s above all our dreams and expectations.
It’s going to be a massive, massive record for us and by all measures it’s going to be a huge new success." His comments reflect the nuanced financial landscape of modern game publishing, where revenue streams include not only direct sales but also licensing fees and ongoing royalty arrangements. IO Interactive is also maintaining an open dialogue with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license. While concrete details remain under wraps, Abrak confirmed that the studio is engaged in "ongoing conversations" about the franchise’s long‑term direction.
"For now we’re just talking about First Light and the live tail of it," he said, indicating that future collaborations or expansions are on the horizon. He added, "We will soon sometime in the future be talking about the future plans between Amazon and IOI," hinting at possible sequels or spin‑offs that could further cement the partnership.
Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, bringing together developers, investors, and media partners for three days of networking and knowledge sharing. Among the media partners, GamesIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage, ensuring that the announcements and insights from the event reach a global audience of industry professionals. The inclusion of 007 First Light in the conference agenda underscores the growing importance of high‑profile licensed properties in the gaming ecosystem.
By blending a beloved cinematic universe with cutting‑edge gameplay, IO Interactive has demonstrated how a well‑executed licensed title can achieve both critical acclaim and commercial viability. As the industry looks ahead to the next generation of consoles, the success of First Light on platforms like the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will likely influence how other studios approach multi‑platform releases and cross‑media storytelling. Overall, Hakan Abrak’s session promises to deliver valuable lessons on project leadership, brand stewardship, and market strategy—insights that will be relevant not only to fans of James Bond but also to any developer aiming to turn a beloved IP into a sustainable, long‑term franchise.