IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the upcoming James Bond title, 007 First Light, during the 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 facets of the project. During his talk, he will walk the audience through the conception, design challenges, and technical innovations that have shaped the game so far. Since its launch, 007 First Light has become IO Interactive’s quickest‑selling title ever, moving more than four million copies within just three months of release.
The strong commercial performance reflects not only the enduring appeal of the James Bond franchise but also the studio’s ability to blend cinematic storytelling with engaging gameplay. The game is slated for a release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 platform toward the end of 2026, a move that signals IO Interactive’s intent to reach a broader, more casual audience while still delivering the high‑octane experience that Bond fans expect. "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 IO Interactive from day one," Abrak said in a recent press release. "From the earliest storyboards to the final polish, every decision has been guided by a deep respect for the Bond legacy and a desire to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling." Jamie Sefton, managing director of Game Republic, echoed the excitement, adding: "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an absolute honor to welcome Hakan and his team to our conference.
I’m eager to hear about the creative process behind bringing such an iconic spy to life and to learn how the developers balanced fan expectations with fresh, innovative gameplay." Abrak joins a roster of seasoned industry figures 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 at 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 diverse viewpoints on the role of artificial intelligence in modern game design. The conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, focusing on cross‑regional partnerships and funding strategies.
Another panel, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will see Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games discuss the realities of early‑stage financing for indie developers. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the financial success of First Light: "We haven’t fully recouped the investment yet because of the partnership structure and royalty arrangements, but the numbers have already exceeded our most optimistic forecasts. It’s shaping up to be a landmark achievement for us, both commercially and creatively." Looking ahead, IO Interactive is maintaining "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current license holder for the James Bond property. While the immediate focus remains on supporting First Light and its post‑launch content, both parties have hinted at broader collaborations in the pipeline.
"We’ll discuss future plans with Amazon when the time is right," Abrak noted, suggesting that the partnership could extend beyond a single title and potentially include new narrative arcs or even a shared universe of Bond games. Game Republic New Horizons will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16. The event promises a blend of high‑profile talks, hands‑on demos, and networking opportunities for developers, publishers, and investors alike. GameIndustry.biz serves as a media partner for the 2026 edition, providing coverage and analysis throughout the conference.
The inclusion of 007 First Light in the agenda underscores the growing importance of licensed IPs in the gaming sector. By leveraging the cultural weight of James Bond, IO Interactive has demonstrated how a well‑executed partnership can drive both brand loyalty and revenue growth. As the industry continues to evolve, the dialogue between developers and license owners—exemplified by the ongoing talks between IO Interactive and Amazon—will likely shape the next wave of blockbuster titles.
Attendees can expect Abrak’s session to delve into specifics such as the game’s narrative structure, the integration of classic Bond gadgets into gameplay mechanics, and the technical hurdles of optimizing the title for the upcoming Switch 2 hardware. He will also address community feedback, post‑launch support plans, and the vision for expanding the Bond universe through future downloadable content or spin‑offs. Overall, the conference aims to provide a platform where seasoned veterans and emerging talent can exchange ideas, explore new technologies, and forge partnerships that will define the future of interactive entertainment.
With a lineup that blends legacy figures like Kutaragi with forward‑thinking discussions on AI and investment, Game Republic New Horizons 2026 is set to be a pivotal gathering for anyone invested in the next chapter of gaming.