IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the James Bond‑themed title 007 First Light during Game Republic’s New Horizons conference in 2026. 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 of the Bond adventure, from the initial concept sketches to the final polishing stages that brought the iconic secret agent to life on screen.
First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date. Within just three months of its release, the game has moved over four million units worldwide, a milestone that eclipses the studio’s previous best‑selling titles. The strong sales performance has been driven by a combination of factors: the enduring popularity of the James Bond brand, the studio’s reputation for delivering high‑quality action‑adventure experiences, and a robust marketing campaign that highlighted the game’s cinematic storytelling and innovative gameplay mechanics.
The title is also slated for a release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 platform in late 2026, expanding its reach to console gamers who prefer portable experiences. “I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic’s New Horizons event and to share the story behind 007 First Light,” Abrak said in a recent press statement. “This project has been a dream for IO Interactive since we first secured the Bond license, and seeing it resonate with fans around the world is incredibly rewarding.” His enthusiasm reflects the passion that the development team poured into the game, from crafting authentic spy gadgets to designing exotic locales that echo the globe‑trotting spirit of the Bond franchise. Game Republic Managing Director Jamie Sefton echoed this excitement, adding, “Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s just a huge honour to welcome Hakan and IO Interactive to our conference.
I can’t wait to learn more about the brilliant 007 First Light’s creation and how the talented team worked on bringing such an iconic character to life.” Sefton’s remarks underscore the significance of the partnership between the conference organizers and one of the industry’s most recognizable IP holders. Abrak’s appearance joins a star‑studded lineup of veteran developers and thought leaders at New Horizons.
The agenda includes a keynote address from legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, a strategic session with Landfall’s Chief Business Officer Rebecca Lautner, and a 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, who will discuss realistic expectations for AI integration without overinflated marketing claims. 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 opportunities in the gaming sector. Another notable discussion, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will see Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games share practical advice for indie studios navigating early‑stage financing.
In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial success, noting, “We haven’t completely recouped yet because there’s a partnership component and royalties involved, but the results have already surpassed our wildest expectations. It’s shaping up to be a massive record‑breaker for us, and by all measures it represents a huge new triumph for IO Interactive.” He emphasized that while the partnership with Amazon, the current license holder of the Bond franchise, remains ongoing, the focus for now is on maximizing First Light’s lifecycle and exploring future extensions of the brand. IO Interactive continues to engage in “ongoing conversations” with Amazon regarding the broader future of the James Bond franchise. Although concrete plans have yet to be announced, Abrak hinted that discussions will eventually move beyond First Light to encompass long‑term collaborations, potential sequels, and possibly new narrative directions within the Bond universe.
“We will soon, sometime in the future, be talking about the future plans between Amazon and IOI,” he said, indicating that both parties are keen to keep the dialogue open and constructive. Game Republic’s New Horizons event is set to take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, 2026. The three‑day summit promises a blend of industry insights, networking opportunities, and deep dives into emerging technologies shaping the next generation of games. As a media partner, GameIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage of the conference, ensuring that key announcements—such as Abrak’s presentation on 007 First Light—reach a global audience of developers, investors, and gaming enthusiasts.
Overall, Abrak’s participation highlights IO Interactive’s commitment to delivering compelling, high‑profile experiences while navigating the complexities of licensed IP development. The upcoming session at New Horizons offers a rare glimpse into the strategic decisions, creative challenges, and market dynamics that have propelled 007 First Light to its current stature, and it sets the stage for what could be an exciting new chapter for the James Bond franchise in interactive entertainment.