IO Interactive’s chief executive officer, 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 executive responsibilities, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, giving him a uniquely hands‑on perspective on the project’s conception, design, and execution. During his talk, Abrak will walk the audience through the creative journey that turned a beloved cinematic spy franchise into an interactive experience. He will detail the early brainstorming phases, where the team examined the core elements that make James Bond iconic—stylish gadgets, high‑stakes missions, and a charismatic protagonist—and how those ingredients were translated into gameplay mechanics and narrative beats.
The discussion will also cover the technical challenges of rendering Bond’s world on modern hardware, the iterative process of polishing combat and stealth systems, and the collaborative effort between writers, artists, and programmers to maintain fidelity to the source material while delivering fresh, player‑driven moments. Since its launch, 007 First Light has become IO Interactive’s fastest‑selling title ever, moving more than four million copies within the first three months on the market. The impressive sales figures underscore the game’s broad appeal, resonating with both long‑time Bond fans and newcomers to the franchise.
Building on this momentum, the studio has announced plans to bring the game to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, with a projected release window in late 2026. This expansion to a portable platform reflects IO Interactive’s strategy to reach a wider audience and to adapt the experience for different play styles. "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 true dream for our studio," Abrak said in a recent statement. "The journey from concept to launch has been extraordinary, and I look forward to discussing the creative decisions, the technical breakthroughs, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way." Jamie Sefton, managing director of Game Republic, echoed the excitement: "As a massive James Bond aficionado, it’s an immense honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive team to our conference.
I’m eager to hear about the brilliant process behind 007 First Light and how such an iconic character was brought to life by a talented group of developers." Abrak will join a distinguished roster of industry veterans who are also presenting at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering a keynote address, Landfall’s chief business officer Rebecca Lautner offering strategic insights, and a thought‑provoking panel titled "Hype‑Free Assessment of AI in Games" featuring Tommy Thompson (AI and Games), Duyguy Cakmak (Creative Assembly), and Matthias Siemonsmeier (Splash Damage). These sessions aim to explore the practical applications of artificial intelligence in game design without the surrounding buzzword hype. The conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, providing a window into how major publishers evaluate and support emerging studios.
Another panel, "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment," will see seasoned investors Nick Button‑Brown (The Game Angels), Tracy McGarrigan (Ansible), and Ian Masters (Flick Games) discuss the realities of early‑stage financing, from initial outreach to navigating post‑investment challenges. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the commercial success of First Light, noting, "We haven’t fully recouped yet because of partnership structures and royalty agreements, but the performance has far exceeded our expectations. It’s shaping up to be a monumental record for us and, by every metric, a massive new triumph." Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license, about the franchise’s long‑term direction. While the immediate focus is on supporting First Light and its upcoming live‑service extensions, Abrak hinted that future collaborations could emerge once the licensing discussions progress.
"Soon, at some point down the line, we’ll be talking about broader plans between Amazon and IOI," he added. Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16, 2026. The event promises a blend of high‑profile keynotes, deep‑dive developer sessions, and networking opportunities for investors, publishers, and creators alike. As a media partner, GamesIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage of the summit, ensuring that the insights shared by Abrak and his peers reach a global audience of game professionals.
Attendees can expect to leave the conference with a richer understanding of how a storied franchise like James Bond can be reimagined for interactive media, the business considerations behind licensing and revenue sharing, and the evolving role of AI and investment in shaping the future of game development. The inclusion of both creative and financial perspectives aims to equip developers with the knowledge needed to navigate the complex landscape of modern game production, from concept to market success.