IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is set to lead a dedicated session on the creation of the new James Bond title, 007 First Light, during the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In addition to his role as CEO, Abrak also acts as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative sides of the project. During his talk, he will walk the audience through the design philosophy, technical challenges, and storytelling choices that shaped the game, which has already become the studio’s fastest‑selling title to date, moving more than four million units within its first three months on market.
First Light, a spin‑off that expands the Bond universe with fresh narratives and gameplay mechanics, is slated for a release on the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console in late 2026. The announcement generated a wave of excitement among fans and industry observers alike, as the title promises to blend the classic espionage feel of the franchise with modern, action‑packed game design.
Abrak expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "I’m really excited to be attending Game Republic New Horizons and to speak about 007 First Light, which was a dream project for IO Interactive." His remarks underscore the personal passion that drives the team behind the game, as many at IO Interactive have grown up with the Bond films and have long aspired to translate that cinematic legacy into an interactive experience. Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed this sentiment, adding, "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s just a huge honour to welcome Hakan and IO Interactive to our conference. I can’t wait to learn more about the brilliant 007 First Light’s creation and how the talented team worked on bringing such an iconic character to life." Sefton’s comments highlight the broader cultural significance of the collaboration: the Bond brand remains a touchstone for generations, and its translation into a video‑game format offers fresh opportunities for storytelling, fan engagement, and cross‑media synergy.
Abrak will join a roster of seasoned industry figures at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi as a keynote speaker, Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, and a panel titled "Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games" featuring AI specialist Tommy Thompson, Creative Assembly’s Duyguy Cakmak, and Splash Damage’s Matthias Siemonsmeier. The conference also schedules a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, as well as a discussion panel called "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment" with Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Ansible’s Tracy McGarrigan, and Flick Games’ Ian Masters. This diverse agenda reflects the event’s aim to blend creative insight with practical business guidance for developers and investors alike.
In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance, noting that while the title has not yet fully recouped its development costs due to ongoing royalty arrangements and partnership structures, it has already surpassed the studio’s most optimistic projections. "We haven’t completely recouped yet because there’s a partnership as well, and royalties.
But it’s above all our dreams and expectations. It’s going to be a massive, massive record for us and by all measures it’s going to be a huge new success," he said.
His candid assessment underscores the complex financial landscape of modern game publishing, where revenue streams often include a mix of direct sales, licensing fees, and shared royalties with intellectual‑property owners. Speaking of licensing, IO Interactive remains in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond video‑game rights. While the immediate focus is on supporting First Light and its post‑launch live‑service component, Abrak hinted that future collaborations could be on the horizon. "We will soon sometime in the future be talking about the future plans between Amazon and IOI," he remarked, suggesting that the partnership could evolve into new titles or expansions that further explore the Bond universe.
Game Republic New Horizons is scheduled to take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, 2026. The event promises a blend of high‑profile talks, practical workshops, and networking opportunities for developers, publishers, and investors.
GameIndustry.biz will serve as a media partner, providing coverage and analysis throughout the three‑day summit. The inclusion of Hakan Abrak’s session on 007 First Light adds a notable highlight to the conference agenda, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the development process of a blockbuster‑level IP.
Participants can expect to learn about the iterative design cycles, the integration of narrative and gameplay, and the ways IO Interactive leveraged the unique capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware to deliver a seamless, immersive Bond experience. Moreover, Abrak’s dual perspective as both CEO and game director will provide valuable insights into balancing creative ambition with fiscal responsibility—a lesson that resonates across the industry. Overall, the New Horizons conference aims to foster dialogue between creative talent and business leaders, encouraging a holistic view of game development that embraces both artistic vision and sustainable economics.
With industry veterans like Abrak sharing their stories and strategies, the event is poised to inspire the next generation of developers to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment while navigating the ever‑changing market landscape.