IO Interactive’s chief executive officer, Hakan Abrak, is set to lead a dedicated session on the creation of 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 unique, hands‑on perspective on the project’s artistic and technical journey. During the session, Abrak will walk the audience through the entire development pipeline of the James Bond title, from its initial concept sketches to the final polish that has made it the studio’s fastest‑selling game ever. Within just three months of launch, First Light has moved over four million units, a milestone that has surprised even the most optimistic members of the IO Interactive team.
The title is slated for a release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console in late 2026, expanding its reach to a broader, more casual gaming 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 studio," Abrak remarked in a recent interview. "The game allowed us to explore the iconic spy’s world in a fresh, narrative‑driven way, and the response from players worldwide has been beyond anything we imagined." Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed the excitement, adding, "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honor to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive team to our conference.
I’m eager to hear how the talented crew brought such a legendary character to life and to learn about the creative challenges they overcame." Abrak joins a distinguished roster of industry veterans at New Horizons. The lineup features legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering the keynote address, Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, and a forward‑looking panel titled “Hype‑Free Assessment of AI in Games.” The AI panel will include Tommy Thompson from AI and Games, Duyguy Cakmak of Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier from Splash Damage, who will discuss realistic expectations for artificial intelligence in interactive entertainment.
The conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, followed by a practical session called “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” featuring Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games. These discussions aim to equip emerging studios with the knowledge to navigate funding landscapes and sustain growth.
In a recent conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance. "We haven’t fully recouped the investment yet because of the partnership structure and royalty agreements, but the results have already surpassed our loftiest expectations.
This title is shaping up to be a record‑breaking success for IO Interactive, and it validates the creative risks we took," he explained. Looking ahead, IO Interactive is maintaining an open dialogue with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license. While the partnership is still in its early stages, Abrak hinted that talks are progressing beyond the immediate scope of First Light.
"We’re in ongoing conversations about the broader future of the Bond franchise. For now, our focus remains on First Light and the post‑launch support, but we anticipate discussing longer‑term plans with Amazon in the months to come," he said.
Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, offering a three‑day showcase of cutting‑edge game development, investment strategies, and industry trends. The event is supported by media partner GameIndustry.biz, which will provide coverage and analysis throughout the conference. Attendees can expect an immersive experience that blends deep‑dive technical sessions with high‑level business insights. Whether you are a developer eager to learn about narrative design, an investor seeking the next breakout title, or a fan of the James Bond legacy, the conference promises valuable takeaways.
Abrak’s session on 007 First Light, in particular, will shed light on how a storied franchise can be reimagined for modern platforms while honoring its heritage, illustrating the delicate balance between innovation and tradition that defines successful game development today.