IO Interactive’s chief executive officer, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the James Bond‑themed title 007 First Light during the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In addition to his executive duties, 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 presentation, he will walk the audience through the development journey of the highly anticipated Bond installment, highlighting the challenges of translating a cinematic legend into an interactive experience and the innovations that set First Light apart from previous entries in the franchise. First Light has already become IO Interactive’s quickest‑selling game ever, moving more than four million copies worldwide within the first three months of launch.
The title’s rapid commercial success underscores the enduring appeal of the James Bond brand and the studio’s ability to deliver a fresh, engaging take on the spy genre. Building on that momentum, IO Interactive has announced a planned release for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, scheduled for late 2026, which will broaden the game’s reach to handheld gamers and console enthusiasts alike. "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 studio," Abrak said in a recent interview.
"From the initial concept sketches to the final polish, every step has been driven by a deep respect for the Bond legacy and a desire to push the boundaries of what a spy game can be." Jamie Sefton, managing director of Game Republic, echoed the excitement, adding: "Being an avid James Bond fan myself, it’s a genuine privilege to host Hakan and the IO Interactive team at our event. I look forward to hearing how the brilliant team brought such an iconic character to life and learning about the creative decisions that shaped First Light’s distinctive tone and gameplay." Abrak will join a distinguished roster of industry veterans featured at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering the keynote address, 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 discuss realistic expectations for artificial intelligence in future titles.
The conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, offering insights into strategic partnerships and market expansion. Additionally, a panel named “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 advice for indie developers navigating the fundraising landscape.
In a separate conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s performance: "We haven’t fully recouped the investment yet because of the partnership structure and royalty agreements, but the results have already exceeded our most optimistic forecasts. By every metric, this title is setting a new record for us and represents a massive success that validates our creative direction." The future of the James Bond franchise remains a topic of strategic importance for IO Interactive.
The studio is currently engaged in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current license holder for Bond properties, to explore long‑term collaboration possibilities. While the immediate focus remains on supporting First Light and its upcoming live‑service extensions, Abrak hinted that broader discussions about future Bond games are on the horizon. "Soon, sometime in the future, we’ll be talking about the next steps between Amazon and IOI," he said, suggesting that new titles or expansions could be in development. Game Republic New Horizons will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16, 2026.
The event promises a blend of high‑profile talks, practical workshops, and networking opportunities for developers, investors, and media professionals. GameIndustry.biz will serve as a media partner for the conference, providing coverage and analysis throughout the three‑day summit. Attendees can expect a deep dive into the creative process behind 007 First Light, including discussions on narrative design, character modeling, motion capture techniques, and the integration of iconic Bond gadgets into gameplay mechanics.
Abrak is also expected to reveal insights into the studio’s post‑launch roadmap, such as planned downloadable content, seasonal events, and cross‑platform initiatives that will keep the community engaged well beyond the initial release window. Overall, the session with Hakan Abrak offers a rare glimpse into how a storied franchise can be revitalized for modern audiences while honoring its cinematic heritage.
It underscores IO Interactive’s commitment to delivering high‑quality, narrative‑driven experiences and highlights the collaborative spirit that drives the gaming industry forward.