IO Interactive’s chief executive officer, Hakan Abrak, is set 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 executive responsibilities, 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, Abrak will walk the audience through the development journey of 007 First Light, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs that have defined the title’s evolution.
Since its launch, the game has become IO Interactive’s fastest‑selling product ever, moving more than four million units within the first three months of release. This commercial triumph has positioned the title as a cornerstone of the studio’s portfolio and set the stage for a planned release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, slated for late 2026. "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light, a project that has been a dream for our entire team," Abrak remarked in a recent statement.
"From the earliest concept sketches to the final polish, every step has been driven by a deep respect for the Bond legacy and a desire to deliver an experience that feels both fresh and true to the franchise." Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed the excitement, noting his personal connection to the spy series. "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an enormous honor to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our event. I’m eager to hear about the brilliant work that went into crafting 007 First Light and how the team managed to breathe new life into such an iconic character," Sefton said.
Abrak joins a star‑studded roster of industry veterans who will appear at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi as a keynote speaker, Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, and a panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games,” featuring Tommy Thompson (AI and Games), Duyguy Cakmak (Creative Assembly), and Matthias Siemonsmeier (Splash Damage). The agenda also offers a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, and a discussion panel called “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” moderated by Nick Button‑Brown (The Game Angels), Tracy McGarrigan (Ansible), and Ian Masters (Flick Games). In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the financial performance of First Light.
"We haven’t fully recouped the investment yet because of ongoing partnership agreements and royalty structures, but the results have already exceeded our most optimistic forecasts. This title is shaping up to be a record‑breaking success for us, both in terms of sales and brand impact," he explained.
The future of the Bond franchise remains a key topic of conversation for IO Interactive. While the studio is currently engaged in “ongoing discussions” with Amazon, the current rights holder of the James Bond license, Abrak clarified that the immediate focus remains on expanding First Light’s lifecycle and exploring post‑launch content. "At this stage we’re concentrating on First Light and its live service roadmap.
In time, we’ll move forward with broader conversations about the franchise’s next chapters with Amazon," he added. Game Republic New Horizons will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16. The event promises a blend of high‑level industry insight, networking opportunities, and deep dives into emerging trends. GamesIndustry.biz serves as a media partner for the 2026 edition, ensuring extensive coverage of the conference’s announcements and sessions.
Attendees can expect Abrak’s presentation to delve into several core themes: the iterative design process that balanced classic Bond motifs with modern gameplay mechanics; the technical hurdles of rendering high‑fidelity environments across multiple platforms, including the upcoming Switch 2; the collaborative dynamics between IO Interactive’s internal teams and external partners such as Amazon; and the strategic marketing initiatives that propelled the game to its record sales figures. Beyond the session itself, the conference will provide ample opportunities for developers, investors, and publishers to engage directly with the speakers during Q&A segments, networking lounges, and informal meet‑ups. For fans of the James Bond series, the event offers a rare glimpse into the creative engine behind one of the most successful recent entries in the franchise, while industry professionals will gain valuable lessons on managing licensed IPs, scaling live services, and navigating the complex landscape of modern game publishing. Overall, Hakan Abrak’s participation underscores IO Interactive’s commitment to transparency and community engagement, positioning the studio as a thought leader in both narrative-driven game development and strategic partnership management.
The New Horizons conference, with its diverse agenda and high‑profile participants, is set to be a landmark gathering for the global gaming ecosystem.