IO Interactive’s chief executive officer, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the creation of the upcoming James Bond title, 007 First Light, during the Game Republic New Horizons conference in 2026. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, granting him a unique perspective on both the business and creative dimensions of the project.
During his talk, Abrak will walk the audience through the journey of bringing the iconic secret agent to life on screen, from the earliest concept sketches to the final polish that made the game the fastest‑selling release in IO Interactive’s history. Within just three months of launch, First Light moved more than four million units, a milestone that underscores both the strength of the Bond brand and the studio’s execution. The title is also slated for a Nintendo Switch 2 release in late 2026, expanding its 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 said in a pre‑event interview.
His excitement reflects the deep personal connection many of the developers feel toward the James Bond franchise, a sentiment echoed by the conference’s managing director, Jamie Sefton. Sefton added, "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an absolute honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our event. I’m eager to hear about the brilliant process that turned such an iconic character into an interactive experience, and to learn how the talented team tackled the challenges of staying true to the legacy while pushing the series forward." Abrak joins a star‑studded roster of industry veterans at New Horizons.
The line‑up includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering the opening keynote, Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, and a forward‑thinking panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games.” The AI panel will feature Tommy Thompson of AI and Games, Duyguy Cakmak from Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage, who will discuss realistic expectations for artificial intelligence in interactive media. The conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director, Teddy Keefe, offering insight into how large publishers evaluate emerging studios. Another panel, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will see Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games share their experiences navigating early‑stage financing. In a recent conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance.
"We haven’t fully recouped yet because of the partnership structure and royalty arrangements, but the results have already exceeded our wildest expectations. This title is set to become a landmark record for us, and by every metric it represents a massive new success," he explained. Looking ahead, IO Interactive is maintaining "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current license holder for the James Bond property. While the immediate focus remains on supporting First Light and its post‑launch live‑service components, Abrak hinted that future collaborations could be on the horizon.
"Soon, sometime in the future, we’ll be discussing broader plans with Amazon and IOI," he said, suggesting that the partnership may evolve beyond the current title. Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, 2026. The event aims to blend high‑level strategic discussions with hands‑on workshops, providing a platform for developers, publishers, investors, and media to exchange ideas.
GameIndustry.biz serves as a media partner for the summit, ensuring extensive coverage of the announcements and sessions. Attendees can expect a deep dive into the technical and artistic choices that defined 007 First Light. Topics will likely include narrative design decisions that balance classic Bond tropes with modern storytelling, the implementation of a new combat system that blends stealth and cinematic action, and the challenges of optimizing the game for multiple platforms, especially the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
Abrak is also expected to share insights on the marketing strategy that helped the title achieve rapid sales, including cross‑promotional partnerships, community engagement, and the role of fan feedback in shaping post‑launch updates. Beyond the specifics of First Light, Abrak’s participation underscores IO Interactive’s broader vision for the Bond franchise.
By positioning themselves as a trusted steward of the license, the studio hopes to secure long‑term collaboration with Amazon, potentially paving the way for sequels, spin‑offs, or even original IPs set within the same universe. The conversation at New Horizons may therefore serve as a barometer for the future direction of James Bond games, signaling whether the franchise will continue to expand under IO Interactive’s creative leadership.
Overall, the session promises to be a must‑watch for anyone interested in the intersection of blockbuster licensing, indie‑spirit development, and the evolving business models of modern gaming. Whether you are a fan of the suave spy, a developer curious about high‑profile project management, or an investor tracking the financial impact of licensed titles, Hakan Abrak’s insights will provide valuable context and inspiration. Game Republic New Horizons 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal gathering for the industry, and Hakan Abrak’s appearance is one of its headline attractions.
The event will not only celebrate the success of 007 First Light but also explore the next steps for the franchise, the role of strategic partnerships, and the creative possibilities that lie ahead for IO Interactive and its collaborators.