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 role as CEO, 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 development journey of the James Bond‑themed title, highlighting the design choices, technical hurdles, and narrative decisions that shaped the final product.
First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date, moving more than four million units within the first three months on the market. The title’s rapid uptake reflects not only the enduring appeal of the Bond franchise but also the studio’s reputation for delivering polished, story‑driven experiences.
Building on that momentum, the company plans to roll out a version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, targeting a late‑2026 release window. This move aims to capture the handheld audience and extend the game’s reach to a broader demographic of gamers. When asked about his upcoming appearance, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm: "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 dream for our team at IO Interactive." His comments underscore the personal passion that drives the studio’s work on licensed properties, especially one as iconic as James Bond.
Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed the sentiment, noting his own admiration for the spy series. "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an absolute honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our event. I’m eager to learn more about the brilliant process behind 007 First Light and how the talented team managed to bring such a legendary character to life on screen," he said.
Abrak will join a distinguished roster of industry veterans at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering the keynote address, Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, and a high‑profile panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games.” The AI discussion will feature Tommy Thompson, an expert on artificial intelligence and gaming, Duyguy Cakmak from Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage, promising a balanced look at the promises and pitfalls of AI integration in modern titles.
The conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, offering insights into the strategic partnerships shaping the industry’s future. Another panel, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will bring together Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games to discuss the realities of early‑stage funding for indie developers. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the commercial performance of First Light. "We haven’t fully recouped yet because of ongoing partnership agreements and royalty structures, but the results have already surpassed our most optimistic forecasts.
This title is setting a new benchmark for us, and by every metric it’s a massive success," he explained. His remarks highlight the complex financial landscape of licensed games, where revenue sharing and long‑term royalties can affect short‑term profitability. Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in “ongoing conversations” with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond video‑game license, about the franchise’s broader future.
While the immediate focus is on expanding First Light’s lifecycle and supporting its upcoming console release, Abrak hinted that deeper collaborations may be on the horizon. "We’ll be discussing future plans with Amazon in due course, but for now our attention is on First Light and its continued evolution," he said.
Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, offering a three‑day platform for developers, investors, and media to connect and share knowledge. The event’s media partner, GamesIndustry.biz, will provide coverage and analysis throughout the conference, ensuring that the insights shared by speakers like Abrak reach a global audience.
Attendees can expect Abrak’s session to delve into the practicalities of working with a high‑profile license, from negotiating with rights holders to ensuring that the game’s tone respects the legacy of the Bond brand while delivering fresh gameplay experiences. He will also discuss the technical innovations employed in First Light, such as advanced lighting systems, motion‑capture pipelines, and AI‑driven enemy behavior, which together create a cinematic feel that aims to immerse players in the spy‑thriller world. Overall, the New Horizons conference promises a blend of strategic discussion, technical deep‑dives, and networking opportunities, positioning it as a must‑attend event for anyone interested in the future of interactive entertainment. With Hakan Abrak’s participation, the spotlight will shine brightly on how a storied franchise can be reimagined for modern platforms while maintaining the core elements that have captivated audiences for decades.