IO Interactive’s chief executive officer, 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 addition to his executive responsibilities, Abrak also functions 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, from the initial concept sketches to the final polish that has helped the game become IO Interactive’s fastest‑selling launch to date, with more than four million copies moving off shelves within just three months of release. The session comes at an exciting time for the franchise, as First Light is slated for a launch on the next‑generation Nintendo Switch 2 console toward the end of 2026. This platform expansion represents a strategic move for IO Interactive, allowing the studio to reach a broader, more casual audience while still delivering the high‑quality cinematic action that Bond fans expect.
Abrak highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light, a project that has been a true dream for our studio." Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed that enthusiasm, noting his personal connection to the iconic spy. "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive team to our conference. I’m eager to dive deeper into the brilliant creation process behind First Light and hear how such a legendary character was brought to life by such a talented group," Sefton said. Abrak will join a roster of industry heavyweights at New Horizons.
The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering the keynote, Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer at Landfall, and a forward‑looking panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games.” That discussion will feature Tommy Thompson of AI and Games, Duyguy Cakmak from Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage, who will explore realistic expectations for artificial intelligence in interactive entertainment. In addition to the main programming, the conference will host a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s Business Development Director Teddy Keefe, offering insights into cross‑border publishing and investment strategies. 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 practical advice for indie developers seeking early‑stage funding. Abrak recently opened up about First Light’s commercial performance in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz.
He explained that while the title has not yet fully recouped its development costs due to ongoing partnership royalties, the revenue trajectory has already exceeded the studio’s most optimistic forecasts. "It’s above all our dreams and expectations.
It will set a massive record for us and, by every metric, represent a huge new success," he said. The future of the Bond franchise remains a topic of keen interest.
IO Interactive is reportedly engaged in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license, about long‑term collaboration. For now, the focus remains on maximizing First Light’s lifecycle and exploring post‑launch content, but Abrak hinted that deeper strategic discussions are on the horizon.
"Soon, sometime in the future, we’ll be talking about broader plans between Amazon and IOI," he added, suggesting potential sequels or expanded multimedia ventures. Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, drawing developers, publishers, investors, and media from around the globe. As a media partner, GamesIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage of the event, ensuring that key announcements—such as the insights shared by Abrak on 007 First Light—reach a wide audience.
Overall, the conference promises a blend of high‑profile keynotes, deep‑dive development sessions, and practical business panels, making it a pivotal gathering for anyone involved in the games industry. Hakan Abrak’s appearance underscores the growing importance of narrative‑driven, licensed titles in the modern market and highlights IO Interactive’s commitment to delivering blockbuster experiences that resonate with both longtime fans and new players alike.