IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the creation of the James Bond title "007 First Light" during the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In addition to his duties as CEO, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative aspects of the project.
During his talk, he will walk the audience through the development journey, from the initial concept sketches to the final polish that has made the title the fastest‑selling release in the studio’s history, moving more than four million units in just three months after launch. The success of "First Light" has been a watershed moment for IO Interactive, a studio best known for its tactical shooters and narrative‑driven experiences.
The Bond game not only broke sales records but also demonstrated the studio’s ability to handle a globally recognized intellectual property while preserving the core elements that make James Bond a cultural icon. Abrak highlighted that the game is slated for a launch on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console in late 2026, expanding its reach to a broader, more casual audience and tapping into the portable gaming market that has been growing steadily over the past few years. "I’m genuinely thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind ‘007 First Light,’" Abrak said in a pre‑event interview. "It started as a dream project for us at IO Interactive – a chance to bring the elegance, danger, and charisma of Bond to life in a way that feels fresh yet faithful to the legacy of the franchise.
Seeing it resonate with players worldwide has been incredibly rewarding." Game Republic Managing Director Jamie Sefton echoed this excitement, adding, "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive team to our conference. I’m eager to hear about the brilliant process behind ‘First Light’ and how such a talented group managed to capture the spirit of an iconic character while delivering a modern gaming experience." Abrak will join a star‑studded lineup of industry veterans at New Horizons.
The agenda includes a keynote address from legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, insights from Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer at Landfall, and a thought‑provoking panel titled "Hype‑Free Assessment of AI in Games." The AI panel will feature Tommy Thompson, an authority on artificial intelligence in interactive media, Duyguy Cakmak from Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage, each offering their perspectives on how AI is reshaping game design without inflating expectations. In addition to the main sessions, the conference will host a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s Business Development Director Teddy Keefe, providing attendees a glimpse into the strategic partnerships shaping the future of gaming finance. Another panel, "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment," will feature seasoned investors Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games, who will discuss the nuances of early‑stage funding and how indie developers can navigate the complex landscape of venture capital.
Abrak recently opened up to GamesIndustry.biz about the financial performance of "First Light." He explained, "We haven’t fully recouped our investment yet because of ongoing partnership agreements and royalty structures, but the revenue is already exceeding our most optimistic forecasts. By all metrics, this title is setting a new benchmark for us, and we anticipate it will become a cornerstone of our portfolio for years to come." The conversation around the Bond franchise’s future remains active. IO Interactive is currently engaged in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current license holder for James Bond, to discuss long‑term collaboration possibilities. While the focus for now remains on supporting "First Light" and its post‑launch live‑service components, Abrak hinted that future discussions could lead to additional titles or expansions that further explore Bond’s universe.
"At some point down the line we’ll be talking about broader plans between Amazon and IOI," he said, suggesting that the partnership could evolve beyond a single game. Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16, 2026. The event promises a blend of high‑level strategic talks, technical deep‑dives, and networking opportunities for developers, investors, and media alike. As part of its media partnership, GamesIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage of the conference, ensuring that the insights shared by leaders like Abrak reach a global audience of industry professionals.
Overall, the session on "007 First Light" is expected to offer a comprehensive look at how a beloved cinematic franchise can be translated into an interactive experience that satisfies both hardcore gamers and casual fans. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the creative decisions, technical challenges, and business strategies that underpinned the game’s rapid ascent to commercial success, as well as a glimpse into the potential future collaborations between IO Interactive and the broader Bond license ecosystem.