IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the creation of the James Bond‑themed title 007 First Light during Game Republic’s New Horizons conference in 2026. In addition to his duties as CEO, Abrak also functions as the game’s director, giving him a unique, hands‑on perspective on the project’s artistic vision, technical hurdles, and narrative choices. First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date, moving more than four million units within the first ninety days of release.
The title’s rapid commercial uptake reflects both the enduring appeal of the 007 franchise and the studio’s reputation for delivering polished, story‑driven shooters. Building on that momentum, the company has announced a planned port for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, slated for release in late 2026, which will broaden the game’s audience to handheld gamers worldwide.
When asked about his upcoming appearance, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm: "I’m thrilled to attend Game Republic New Horizons and share the journey behind 007 First Light. This project has been a dream for IO Interactive, and I’m eager to discuss the creative process, the challenges we faced, and the milestones we celebrated along the way." His remarks underscore the personal investment the team has made in honoring the legacy of James Bond while pushing the series into new technological territory. Game Republic Managing Director Jamie Sefton echoed the excitement, noting his personal connection to the iconic spy: "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our conference. I can’t wait to hear the inside story of how such a legendary character was re‑imagined for a modern audience and to learn about the talent and dedication that went into bringing him to life on screen." Abrak joins an impressive roster of industry veterans at New Horizons.
The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the opening keynote, as well as Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer of Landfall, who will discuss market trends. A notable panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games” will feature AI specialist Tommy Thompson, Creative Assembly’s Duyguy Cakmak, and Matthias Siemonsmeier from Splash Damage, offering a balanced look at the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in interactive entertainment.
The conference also dedicates space for business‑focused discussions. In the Investor Zone, a fireside chat with Tencent’s Business Development Director Teddy Keefe will explore strategic partnerships in the gaming sector.
Meanwhile, a panel called “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment” will see insights from Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games, providing practical advice for emerging studios seeking early‑stage funding. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s financial performance: "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 is setting a new benchmark for us and, by all measures, represents a massive success." He emphasized that while the revenue stream continues to mature, the game’s impact on the brand and the studio’s reputation is already evident.
Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in “ongoing conversations” with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond video‑game license. While concrete details are still under discussion, Abrak hinted that future collaborations could extend beyond First Light’s current lifecycle: "We’re currently focused on the live‑service aspects of First Light, but we anticipate future talks with Amazon about broader franchise opportunities. The dialogue is open, and we’re excited about the possibilities that lie ahead." Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, 2026. The event promises a blend of creative showcases, technical deep‑dives, and business networking opportunities, positioning it as a key gathering for developers, publishers, and investors alike.
As a media partner, GamesIndustry.biz will provide coverage throughout the three‑day summit, ensuring that insights from sessions such as Abrak’s are widely disseminated to the global gaming community. Attendees can expect Abrak’s presentation to cover a range of topics: the initial concept phase, the integration of Bond’s signature gadgets into gameplay mechanics, the challenges of adapting a cinematic franchise to an interactive medium, and the strategies employed to optimize performance across multiple platforms, including the upcoming Switch 2. He will also address community feedback loops, post‑launch support, and the roadmap for future content updates, offering a comprehensive view of how a high‑profile IP can be sustained over time. Overall, the inclusion of Hakan Abrak and the spotlight on 007 First Light underscore Game Republic’s commitment to delivering deep, industry‑relevant content.
Whether you are a fan of the James Bond saga, a developer interested in the intricacies of licensed game production, or an investor seeking insight into successful launch strategies, the New Horizons conference aims to provide valuable takeaways from one of the year’s most compelling success stories.