IO Interactive’s chief executive, 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 his dual capacity as both CEO and game director for First Light, Abrak will provide an insider’s view of the development process behind the latest James Bond title, sharing insights into design decisions, technical challenges, and the collaborative spirit that drove the project to success.
First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most commercially successful launch to date, moving more than four million units within its first ninety days on the market. The strong sales figures reflect not only the enduring appeal of the Bond franchise but also the studio’s ability to blend cinematic storytelling with modern gameplay mechanics. Building on this momentum, the company has announced plans to bring the game to the next‑generation Nintendo Switch 2 platform, with a release slated for late 2026. When asked about his participation in the conference, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm: "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to discuss 007 First Light, a project that has been a true passion for our team at IO Interactive." His remarks underscore the personal connection many developers feel when working on a property as iconic as James Bond, and they set the tone for a session that promises both technical depth and heartfelt storytelling.
Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed this sentiment, noting his own devotion to the Bond universe: "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our conference. I’m eager to learn more about the brilliant creation of 007 First Light and how such a legendary character was brought to life by such a talented team." Sefton’s comments highlight the broader industry excitement surrounding the title and its impact on both fans and fellow developers.
Abrak will join a distinguished roster of industry veterans on the New Horizons agenda. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi as a keynote speaker, Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, and a thought‑provoking 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 explore realistic expectations and practical applications of artificial intelligence in modern game design. In addition to the main presentations, the conference will host a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s business development director, Teddy Keefe.
Another panel, "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment," will bring together Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games to discuss fundraising strategies and the challenges indie studios face when seeking early‑stage capital. Abrak recently reflected on First Light’s performance in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz.
He noted, "We haven’t fully recouped the investment yet because of our partnership structure and royalty arrangements, but the results have already surpassed our most optimistic projections. This title is shaping up to be a monumental record for us, and by every metric it represents a massive new success." His candid assessment emphasizes the financial realities of modern publishing while celebrating the achievement of exceeding creative expectations. Looking ahead, IO Interactive is engaged in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license, regarding the franchise’s long‑term direction.
For now, the focus remains on supporting First Light and extending its lifecycle through updates, downloadable content, and the upcoming Switch 2 launch. Abrak hinted at future collaboration, stating, "At some point down the line we’ll be discussing broader plans with Amazon and IOI, but our immediate priority is to keep the momentum of First Light alive and thriving." Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16, offering three days of panels, keynotes, networking opportunities, and showcases of cutting‑edge technology. The event’s media partner, GamesIndustry.biz, will provide extensive coverage, ensuring that insights from leaders like Abrak reach a global audience of developers, investors, and enthusiasts. Attendees can expect a deep dive into the creative pipeline that turned a classic spy narrative into an interactive experience, covering everything from narrative design and character modeling to motion capture, level architecture, and the integration of Bond’s signature gadgets into gameplay.
The session will also address how IO Interactive balanced fan expectations with innovative mechanics, ensuring that the game felt both familiar to longtime Bond fans and fresh for newcomers. In summary, Hakan Abrak’s appearance at Game Republic New Horizons 2026 offers a rare glimpse into the strategic and artistic decisions behind one of the year’s biggest gaming releases. His perspective, combined with the broader conference lineup, promises valuable lessons for anyone interested in the intersection of licensed properties, high‑volume sales, and the evolving landscape of game development.