IO Interactive’s chief executive officer, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the upcoming James Bond title, 007 First Light, during Game Republic’s New Horizons conference in 2026. In addition to his executive duties, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the creative and business aspects of the project.
During his talk, he will walk the audience through the development journey of the Bond‑themed game, sharing insights into design choices, technical hurdles, and the collaborative process that brought the iconic spy to life on screen. First Light has already proven to be a breakout hit for IO Interactive.
Within the first three months of its release, the title moved more than four million units, making it the fastest‑selling game in the company’s history. The strong sales performance reflects not only the enduring popularity of the James Bond franchise but also the studio’s ability to blend cinematic storytelling with modern gameplay mechanics. The game is slated for a launch on the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 platform in late 2026, expanding its reach to a broader console audience. When asked about his upcoming appearance, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm: "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to discuss 007 First Light, a project that has been a dream for the whole IO Interactive team." His remarks underscore the personal passion that both he and his staff have for the Bond universe, as well as the strategic importance the title holds for the studio’s future.
Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed this sentiment, noting, "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honour to welcome Hakan and IO Interactive to our conference. I’m eager to learn more about the brilliant creation of 007 First Light and how the talented team managed to capture the essence of such an iconic character." Sefton’s comments highlight the anticipation surrounding the session and the broader interest in how a classic film property can be translated into an interactive experience.
Abrak will join a roster of seasoned industry leaders at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering a keynote address, Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer at 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 from Splash Damage.
This diverse collection of speakers underscores the conference’s focus on both creative innovation and practical business strategies. The event’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, offering a glimpse into the dynamics of large‑scale investment in game development.
Another panel, "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment," will feature Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games, providing valuable advice for emerging studios seeking funding. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance, noting that while the game has not yet fully recouped all partnership costs and royalties, it has already surpassed the studio’s original expectations. "It’s a massive record for us, and by every metric it’s a huge new success," he said, emphasizing the importance of both immediate sales and long‑term revenue streams such as licensing and post‑launch content.
Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license, regarding the franchise’s broader future. At present, the dialogue centers on First Light and its upcoming live‑service extensions, but Abrak hinted that more expansive discussions are on the horizon. "Soon, sometime in the future, we’ll be talking about the long‑term plans between Amazon and IOI," he indicated, suggesting potential collaborations that could extend the Bond brand into new gaming experiences. Game Republic New Horizons will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, 2026.
The event promises a blend of high‑profile keynotes, technical deep‑dives, and networking opportunities for developers, investors, and media alike. GamesIndustry.biz serves as a media partner for the conference, ensuring extensive coverage of the announcements and sessions. Overall, Abrak’s participation signals IO Interactive’s commitment to leveraging the James Bond IP not only as a blockbuster title but also as a platform for ongoing engagement with fans through updates, expansions, and possibly new narrative chapters.
The conference will provide a rare window into the strategic thinking behind such a high‑profile partnership, offering attendees a chance to learn how a legacy franchise can be revitalized for modern gamers while maintaining the core elements that made it a cultural touchstone.