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 the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In his dual capacity as both CEO and game director for First Light, Abrak will provide an in‑depth look at the design philosophy, technical hurdles, and narrative choices that shaped the project from concept to market launch.
First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date, moving more than four million units within the first three months of availability. The title’s rapid commercial uptake underscores both the enduring appeal of the James Bond franchise and the studio’s ability to deliver a fresh, high‑quality experience that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Building on that momentum, the developers have announced plans to bring the game to the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 platform, targeting a late‑2026 release window.
This move aims to broaden the game’s reach, tapping into the handheld market while leveraging the enhanced hardware capabilities of the new console. "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 recent statement. "The project started as a dream for IO Interactive—a chance to reinterpret an iconic spy in a way that feels modern, cinematic, and true to the spirit of the original films. Seeing it come to life and then watching players worldwide embrace it has been incredibly rewarding." Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed that enthusiasm: "As a massive James Bond fan myself, it’s a real privilege to host Hakan and the IO Interactive team.
I’m eager to hear the details of how such a legendary character was re‑imagined and the creative process that brought the game’s world to life." Abrak’s appearance joins a roster of seasoned industry leaders scheduled for New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering a keynote address, Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer of Landfall, and a thought‑provoking panel titled “Hype‑Free Assessment of AI in Games.” The AI discussion will feature Tommy Thompson of AI and Games, Duyguy Cakmak from Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier representing Splash Damage, offering diverse perspectives on how artificial intelligence is reshaping game design, player experience, and development pipelines.
In addition to the main stage sessions, the conference will host a fireside chat within the Investor Zone featuring Teddy Keefe, Business Development Director at Tencent. This informal conversation will explore investment trends, cross‑border collaborations, and the evolving landscape of funding for interactive entertainment.
Another panel, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will see contributions from Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games, providing practical advice for indie developers navigating the often‑treacherous waters of early‑stage financing. Abrak recently reflected on First Light’s performance in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, noting that while the title has not yet fully recouped its development costs due to royalty structures and partnership agreements, it has already exceeded the studio’s internal expectations. "The financial results are impressive, but beyond the numbers, the game has set a new benchmark for us in terms of creative achievement and community reception.
It’s a landmark success that validates our approach to storytelling and gameplay innovation," he explained. Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in ongoing negotiations with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license. While concrete details are still being hashed out, both parties have indicated a shared interest in extending the partnership beyond First Light. Abrak hinted that future collaborations could involve new titles, expansions, or cross‑media initiatives that further explore the Bond universe.
"We’re in the early stages of discussing long‑term plans with Amazon. For now, our focus is on supporting First Light and its live‑service components, but we anticipate broader conversations about the franchise’s direction in the coming months," he said. Game Republic New Horizons 2026 is set to take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16.
The three‑day event promises a blend of high‑profile keynotes, technical deep‑dives, and networking opportunities for developers, publishers, investors, and media partners. GameIndustry.biz will serve as a media partner for the conference, providing coverage, analysis, and post‑event summaries for the global gaming community. Overall, Abrak’s session on 007 First Light is expected to be a highlight of the summit, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the strategic decisions, creative challenges, and commercial triumphs that define a modern blockbuster title. Whether you’re a fan of the legendary spy, a game development professional seeking insight into successful IP utilization, or an investor interested in the financial dynamics of high‑profile releases, the discussion promises valuable takeaways and an inspiring look at what can be achieved when a passionate team tackles an iconic property with fresh eyes and innovative technology.