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 flagship conference, New Horizons, scheduled for October 14‑16, 2026 at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough. In addition to his role as CEO, Abrak also functions as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative sides of the project.
During the session, Abrak will walk attendees through the full development pipeline of First Light, from the initial concept sketches that captured the sleek, espionage‑laden aesthetic of the Bond universe to the final polishing stages that prepared the game for launch across multiple platforms. He will highlight the technical challenges the studio faced when adapting the high‑octane action of a Bond film into an interactive experience, especially the need to balance cinematic storytelling with player agency. Particular emphasis will be placed on how the team leveraged IO Interactive’s proprietary Glacier engine to render realistic lighting, fluid animations, and dynamic environments that evoke the glamour and danger synonymous with 007.
First Light has already become IO Interactive’s fastest‑selling title, moving more than four million units within the first three months of release. The rapid commercial success underscores the enduring appeal of the James Bond brand and the studio’s ability to translate that appeal into a compelling video‑game format. While the game is currently available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, a version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release in late 2026, expanding its reach to a broader, more casual audience.
"I’m genuinely thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light," Abrak said in a pre‑event interview. "This project started as a dream for our team—a chance to honor one of the most iconic characters in popular culture while pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling. Seeing it resonate with fans worldwide has been incredibly rewarding." Game Republic Managing Director Jamie Sefton echoed this enthusiasm, noting his personal connection to the franchise. "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our conference.
I’m eager to hear about the creative decisions that brought such a legendary spy to life on screen and how the team tackled the responsibility of staying true to the source material while innovating for gamers." Abrak joins a distinguished roster of industry veterans speaking at New Horizons. Among them is legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the opening keynote, and Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer at Landfall, who will discuss emerging business models in the gaming sector. A notable panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games” will feature AI specialist Tommy Thompson, Creative Assembly’s Duyguy Cakmak, and Splash Damage’s Matthias Siemonsmeier, who will debate the realistic expectations and ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence in interactive media. The conference also includes 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. In a recent conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s financial performance.
"We haven’t fully recouped yet because of ongoing partnership agreements and royalty structures, but the numbers have already surpassed our most optimistic forecasts. It’s shaping up to be a record‑breaking achievement for IO Interactive, both in terms of revenue and brand impact," he explained. Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in “ongoing conversations” with Amazon, the current license holder of the James Bond property.
While the focus for now remains on supporting First Light and its post‑launch live‑service elements, Abrak hinted at future collaborations. "Soon, sometime in the future, we’ll be discussing broader plans with Amazon regarding the franchise’s direction. For now, we’re concentrating on delivering fresh content and experiences for First Light’s community," he said. Game Republic New Horizons promises to be a hub of knowledge sharing and networking for developers, publishers, investors, and media partners.
With GameIndustry.biz serving as a media partner for the 2026 edition, attendees can expect extensive coverage of the event’s announcements, panel discussions, and breakout sessions. The conference aims to foster dialogue about the evolving landscape of game development, from cutting‑edge technology and creative storytelling to sustainable business practices and investment opportunities. Overall, Hakan Abrak’s participation underscores the significance of 007 First Light within the broader gaming ecosystem and highlights IO Interactive’s commitment to delivering high‑quality, narrative‑driven experiences.
Whether you’re a fan of the Bond franchise, a game development professional, or an investor interested in the next big hit, the New Horizons conference will provide valuable insights into how a beloved cinematic icon can be successfully translated into an interactive medium, while also shedding light on the strategic partnerships and financial considerations that drive modern game production.