IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the James Bond adventure 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, granting him a unique perspective on the creative and technical processes that shaped the title. The session will delve into the conception, design challenges, and production milestones that have defined the game’s journey from an initial concept to a market‑ready product.
Since its launch, 007 First Light has become the fastest‑selling title in IO Interactive’s catalogue, moving more than four million copies within the first ninety days of release. This impressive commercial performance underscores the strong appetite for well‑crafted spy‑thriller experiences and validates the studio’s decision to invest heavily in narrative depth, cinematic set‑pieces, and authentic James Bond mechanics. The game’s next platform expansion is slated for the Nintendo Switch 2, with a targeted release window in late 2026, promising to bring the high‑octane espionage action to a broader, handheld audience.
When asked about his upcoming appearance, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm: "I’m thrilled to attend Game Republic New Horizons and share insights about 007 First Light, a project that has long been a dream for IO Interactive." His remarks highlight not only the personal pride he feels but also the collaborative spirit that drove the development team to push the boundaries of what a Bond game can achieve. Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed this excitement, stating, "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honor to welcome Hakan and IO Interactive to our conference. I look forward to learning more about the brilliant creation of 007 First Light and how the talented team brought such an iconic character to life." Sefton’s comments reflect the broader anticipation among industry observers who are eager to hear about the integration of classic Bond lore with modern gameplay innovations.
Abrak will join a distinguished roster of veteran speakers at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the keynote address, as well as Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer of Landfall, who will discuss strategic growth in the gaming sector.
A particularly timely panel titled "Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games" will feature Tommy Thompson (AI and Games), Duyguy Cakmak (Creative Assembly), and Matthias Siemonsmeier (Splash Damage), offering a balanced look at artificial intelligence’s role without the surrounding buzz. The conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside conversation with Tencent’s Business Development Director Teddy Keefe, focusing on cross‑border investment trends.
Another panel, "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment," will see Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games share practical advice for emerging studios navigating early‑stage financing. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the financial outcomes of First Light, noting, "We haven’t fully recouped yet because of a partnership structure and royalty agreements, but the results have already surpassed our wildest expectations.
By all metrics, this will become a landmark success for us." His comments suggest that while the headline sales figures are impressive, the underlying economics involve complex revenue‑sharing arrangements that will continue to mature over the coming fiscal periods. Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains engaged in ongoing negotiations with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license. Although concrete details are still being hashed out, Abrak hinted that discussions are moving beyond the immediate scope of First Light to explore longer‑term collaborations.
"We’ll be talking about future plans between Amazon and IOI at some point down the line," he said, indicating that the partnership could yield additional Bond‑related projects, potentially expanding the franchise’s presence across new platforms and media formats. Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, offering a three‑day program packed with keynotes, panels, and networking opportunities for developers, investors, and media partners.
The event’s media partner, GameIndustry.biz, will provide extensive coverage, ensuring that insights from sessions like Abrak’s reach a global audience of industry professionals. Overall, the upcoming session promises to deliver a deep dive into the artistic vision, technical execution, and business strategy behind 007 First Light. Attendees can expect to walk away with a richer understanding of how a beloved cinematic universe can be translated into an interactive experience that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The combination of Abrak’s leadership insights, the broader conference agenda, and the strategic discussions surrounding licensing and investment make New Horizons 2026 a pivotal moment for anyone interested in the future of gaming and franchise development.