IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the creation of 007 First Light during the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In addition to his executive duties, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative aspects of the project. During his talk, he will walk attendees through the design philosophy, technical challenges, and narrative decisions that shaped the James Bond‑themed title. First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date, moving more than four million units within the first three months of its release.
The strong sales figures underscore the franchise’s broad appeal and the studio’s ability to translate the iconic spy’s world into an interactive experience that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers. Building on that momentum, the company has announced a planned release for the next‑generation Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for late 2026, which will bring the game to a wider audience and introduce new gameplay enhancements tailored to the console’s capabilities. "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share insights about 007 First Light, a project that has been a true dream for our team," Abrak said in a recent statement.
His enthusiasm reflects the passion that has driven the development team from concept to completion, and he expects the session to provide valuable lessons for other developers navigating licensed properties and high‑profile releases. Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed that excitement, adding, "As an avid James Bond fan, it’s an absolute honor to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our conference. I’m eager to hear about the brilliant process behind 007 First Light and how the talented team managed to capture the essence of such an iconic character in a modern game environment." Abrak will join a distinguished roster of industry veterans on the New Horizons agenda. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi as a keynote speaker, Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, and a panel titled "Hype‑Free Assessment of AI in Games" featuring AI specialist Tommy Thompson, Creative Assembly’s Duyguy Cakmak, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage.
These sessions aim to provide a balanced view of emerging technologies, business strategies, and creative storytelling. The conference will also host a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, followed by a panel named "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment" with Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games.
These discussions are designed to help indie developers and studios navigate the complex landscape of funding and partnership negotiations. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance, noting, "We haven’t fully recouped yet because of the partnership structure and royalty arrangements, but the results have already exceeded our most optimistic forecasts. This title represents a massive milestone for us and signals a new era of success for IO Interactive." Looking ahead, IO Interactive is maintaining "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license, regarding the broader future of the franchise. While the immediate focus remains on supporting First Light and its upcoming live‑service extensions, Abrak hinted that future collaborations could expand the scope of Bond‑related projects.
"At some point down the line we’ll be discussing longer‑term plans with Amazon and IOI," he said, suggesting that fans can expect more Bond content beyond the current title. Game Republic New Horizons will take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16.
The event promises a blend of high‑level industry insight, practical workshops, and networking opportunities for developers, investors, and media partners. GameIndustry.biz will serve as a media partner for the 2026 edition, ensuring extensive coverage of the announcements and sessions. Overall, Abrak’s participation highlights the growing importance of licensed IPs in the gaming sector and showcases how a well‑executed partnership can result in both critical acclaim and commercial triumph.
Attendees can look forward to a deep dive into the creative process behind 007 First Light, practical advice on managing large‑scale releases, and a glimpse into the future collaborations that may shape the next chapter of James Bond in interactive entertainment.