IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the creation of 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, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative challenges involved in bringing the latest James Bond adventure to life. During his talk, Abrak will walk the audience through the development pipeline that turned the concept of a Bond‑centric title into a commercial reality.
He will cover everything from the initial pitch to Amazon, the holder of the James Bond licence, through the iterative design phases, motion‑capture sessions, narrative scripting, and the technical hurdles of optimizing the game for multiple platforms. First Light has already become IO Interactive’s quickest‑selling product, moving more than four million units within its first ninety days on the market, a milestone that underscores the franchise’s enduring appeal and the studio’s execution prowess.
The title is slated for a release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console in late 2026, expanding its reach to a broader audience and tapping into the handheld market that continues to grow. Abrak expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming launch, stating, "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share insights about 007 First Light, a project that has been a dream for our team at IO Interactive." Game Republic managing director Jamie Sefton echoed this sentiment, adding, "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an absolute honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our conference. I’m eager to hear the inside story of how such an iconic character was re‑imagined and what creative decisions shaped the final experience." Abrak will join a distinguished roster of industry veterans on the New Horizons agenda.
The line‑up includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering the keynote address, Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, and a forward‑looking 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 interactive entertainment. The conference will also host a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, offering insights into cross‑border investment strategies in the gaming sector.
Another panel, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will see seasoned investors Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games share practical advice for emerging studios seeking early‑stage funding. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the commercial performance of First Light, noting, "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 major success story." Looking ahead, IO Interactive is maintaining an open dialogue with Amazon regarding the long‑term stewardship of the Bond franchise.
While the current focus remains on supporting First Light and its post‑launch content roadmap, Abrak hinted that future collaborations are on the horizon. "We’ll be discussing broader plans with Amazon in due course, but for now our priority is to ensure First Light continues to thrive and evolve," he said. 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 strategic discussions, technical deep‑dives, and networking opportunities for developers, investors, and media professionals alike. GamesIndustry.biz will serve as a media partner for the 2026 edition, providing coverage and analysis throughout the three‑day summit. Attendees can expect to leave the conference with a richer understanding of how a legacy IP like James Bond can be reinterpreted for modern audiences, the financial mechanics behind blockbuster game launches, and the evolving role of AI and investment in shaping the future of interactive entertainment.
Abrak’s session on 007 First Light is poised to be a highlight, offering both inspiration and practical takeaways for anyone interested in the intersection of storytelling, technology, and business within the gaming industry.