IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the James Bond‑themed title 007 First Light during the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In addition to his duties as CEO, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative aspects of the project. During his presentation, he will walk the audience through the conception, design, and production processes that brought the iconic secret agent to life in a fresh, interactive format. First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date.
Within the first three months on the market, the game moved more than four million copies, outpacing all previous titles from the studio. This rapid commercial uptake underscores the strong appetite among gamers for a well‑crafted Bond experience, and it has set a new benchmark for the company’s future releases.
The developers have also announced that a version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console is slated for release in late 2026, expanding the game’s reach to a broader console audience. "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light, which has been a dream project for our team," Abrak remarked in a recent press statement.
His enthusiasm reflects the deep personal connection many of the studio’s staff feel toward the Bond franchise, a connection that has helped shape the game’s narrative tone, cinematic flair, and gameplay mechanics. Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed this sentiment: "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an incredible privilege to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our conference. I’m eager to hear the behind‑the‑scenes details of how such an iconic character was reimagined for modern gamers, and to learn about the creative challenges the team overcame." Abrak will join a distinguished roster of industry veterans who are also speaking at New Horizons.
The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the keynote address, as well as Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, who will discuss market trends. A particularly topical 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 a balanced view on how artificial intelligence is reshaping game development without inflating expectations. The conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, providing insight into the strategic partnerships that drive growth in the gaming sector.
Another panel, "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment," will see participation from Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games, who will share practical advice for indie developers seeking early‑stage funding. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the financial performance of First Light. "We haven’t fully recouped our investment yet because of ongoing royalty agreements and partnership structures, but the numbers have already exceeded our most optimistic forecasts. This title is shaping up to be a landmark achievement for IO Interactive, both commercially and creatively." Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond licensing rights, about the long‑term future of the franchise.
While the immediate focus is on supporting First Light and its upcoming live‑service extensions, Abrak hinted that broader collaboration possibilities are on the table. "In the near future we’ll be discussing more expansive plans with Amazon, exploring how we can continue to evolve the Bond universe together," he said.
Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16. The event promises a blend of high‑profile talks, practical workshops, and networking opportunities for developers, investors, and media professionals alike. As a media partner, GamesIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage of the conference, ensuring that the insights shared by leaders such as Hakan Abrak reach a global audience. Overall, Abrak’s session is expected to shed light on the intricate balance between honoring a beloved cinematic legacy and delivering an engaging, modern gaming experience.
Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the strategic decisions, creative risks, and technical innovations that propelled 007 First Light to become IO Interactive’s fastest‑selling title, and they will leave with valuable lessons applicable to any studio aiming to blend heritage IPs with contemporary game design.