IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is set to lead a dedicated session on the James Bond title 007 First Light during the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In addition to his role as CEO, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the creative and business aspects of the project. During his presentation, he will walk the audience through the development journey of the Bond‑themed adventure, highlighting the design choices, technical hurdles, and narrative decisions that shaped the final product.
First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date. Within just three months of its release, the game has moved more than four million units worldwide, a milestone that eclipses the studio’s previous best‑selling titles. The rapid sales surge reflects not only the enduring popularity of the James Bond franchise but also the studio’s ability to deliver a fresh, cinematic experience that resonates with both long‑time fans and newcomers.
Building on this momentum, IO Interactive has announced that a version of the game will arrive on the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, slated for a late‑2026 release. This move is expected to broaden the title’s audience further, tapping into the portable gaming market and offering a new way to experience Bond’s world on the go. When asked about his upcoming appearance, Abrak expressed genuine excitement: "I’m really thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to discuss 007 First Light, a project that has been a dream for our studio from day one." His enthusiasm underscores the personal investment he and his team have made in bringing the iconic spy to life in a modern gaming context.
Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed that sentiment, noting his own long‑standing admiration for the Bond series. "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honor to welcome Hakan and IO Interactive to our conference.
I can’t wait to dive deeper into the brilliant creation of 007 First Light and learn how the talented team managed to capture the essence of such an iconic character," Sefton said. Abrak will join a roster of seasoned industry figures who are also speaking at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the opening keynote, as well as Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer at Landfall, who will share insights on publishing strategy.
A particularly timely 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 look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping game design without the surrounding buzz. Beyond the main stages, the conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s Business Development Director Teddy Keefe, providing a window into the financial and strategic considerations of large‑scale game publishing. Another panel, "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment," will bring together Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games to discuss the realities of early‑stage funding for indie developers. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance.
"We haven’t fully recouped yet because of ongoing partnership royalties, but the results have already exceeded our loftiest expectations. This is shaping up to be a record‑breaking success for us by every metric," he explained. He emphasized that the partnership model, which includes revenue sharing with the Bond license holder, Amazon, adds complexity to the financial picture, yet the overall trajectory remains overwhelmingly positive.
Speaking about the future of the Bond franchise, Abrak confirmed that IO Interactive is engaged in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current rights holder. While the discussions are still in early stages, he hinted that the dialogue will eventually extend beyond First Light to explore longer‑term collaborations. "Soon, at some point in the future, we’ll be talking about broader plans between Amazon and IOI," he said, suggesting that fans can anticipate more Bond‑related projects down the line.
Game Republic New Horizons will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, 2026. The event promises a blend of high‑profile keynotes, deep‑dive panels, and networking opportunities for developers, investors, and media alike.
As part of the media partnership, GameIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage of the summit, ensuring that the insights shared by Abrak and his fellow speakers reach a global audience. Overall, Abrak’s session is expected to offer a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a major licensed title, from concept art and narrative design to the intricacies of cross‑company licensing agreements. For anyone interested in the intersection of blockbuster IPs and interactive entertainment, the 007 First Light talk will be a must‑see event at New Horizons 2026.