IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the creation of the James Bond‑themed 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 uniquely hands‑on perspective on the project’s artistic vision, technical challenges, and overall production pipeline. During his presentation, Abrak will walk the audience through the journey that transformed a concept inspired by the iconic spy franchise into a full‑blown, best‑selling video game.
He will discuss how the team approached narrative design, ensuring that the story honors the legacy of James Bond while delivering fresh, player‑driven experiences. He will also delve into the gameplay mechanics that differentiate First Light from previous Bond titles, such as the integration of dynamic stealth systems, a revamped gadget suite, and a more cinematic approach to mission execution. First Light has already proven to be IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date. Within the first three months of its release, the game moved over four million units worldwide, a milestone that surpasses the company’s earlier hits and sets a new benchmark for future projects.
The title’s strong performance is attributed to a combination of factors: a loyal fan base eager for a new Bond adventure, a polished multiplayer component that encourages repeat play, and a strategic marketing campaign that highlighted the game’s unique features. Moreover, the upcoming release on the next‑generation Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for late 2026, is expected to broaden the audience even further, tapping into the portable gaming market and introducing the Bond experience to a new generation of players. When asked about his participation in the conference, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm. "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light.
This project has been a dream for our studio, and being able to discuss the creative process, the technical hurdles, and the triumphs we’ve experienced is truly exciting," he said. His remarks underscore the personal connection many of the developers feel toward the Bond franchise, a sentiment echoed by the event’s organizers.
Jamie Sefton, managing director of Game Republic, added his own perspective: "As 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 more about how the brilliant 007 First Light came to life and how the talented team managed to capture the essence of such an iconic character in an interactive format." Sefton’s comments highlight the anticipation surrounding the session, as industry insiders and fans alike look forward to gaining insight into the creative decisions that shaped the game. Abrak’s appearance places him among a distinguished roster of speakers at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary figures such as Ken Kutaragi, known as the “Father of PlayStation,” who will deliver the keynote address, and Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, who will discuss market trends.
A notable panel titled "Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games" will feature experts Tommy Thompson (AI and Games), Duyguy Cakmak (Creative Assembly), and Matthias Siemonsmeier (Splash Damage), exploring the realistic applications of artificial intelligence in game development without the surrounding buzz. The conference also offers a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s business development director, Teddy Keefe, providing a platform for discussions on global market expansion and partnership strategies. Additionally, a panel called "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment" will feature Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games, offering practical advice for indie developers seeking funding.
In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the commercial success 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 game is setting a massive record for us and, by every metric, it’s a huge new triumph," he explained. His comments underscore the financial complexities of licensing a major property like James Bond while also highlighting the positive outlook for future revenue streams.
IO Interactive continues to engage in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the Bond license, about the long‑term future of the franchise. While the focus for now remains on First Light and its post‑launch support, Abrak hinted at broader plans: "Soon, in the future, we’ll be discussing the next steps between Amazon and IO Interactive, exploring how we can expand the Bond universe together." Game Republic New Horizons will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16.
The event promises a blend of high‑profile talks, industry panels, and networking opportunities, positioning it as a key gathering for developers, investors, and media alike. GamesIndustry.biz serves as a media partner for the 2026 edition, ensuring extensive coverage of the announcements and insights shared throughout the three‑day summit. Overall, Abrak’s session is poised to deliver a deep dive into the creative and business dimensions of 007 First Light, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the collaborative effort required to bring a legendary spy to life in a modern gaming context.
The combination of commercial success, critical acclaim, and strategic partnership discussions makes this presentation a must‑watch for anyone interested in the intersection of blockbuster IPs and interactive entertainment.