IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is set to lead a dedicated session on the creation of the new James Bond title, 007 First Light, during the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In addition to his duties as CEO, Abrak also fulfills the role of game director for First Light, giving him a unique perspective on both the strategic and creative aspects of the project. During his talk, he will walk attendees through the development journey, from the initial concept sketches to the final polishing stages, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that have defined the game’s production.
First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date, moving more than four million units within its first three months on the market. The title’s rapid commercial uptake underscores the enduring appeal of the James Bond franchise and the studio’s ability to translate that legacy into a fresh, interactive experience. While the game is already available on current-generation consoles and PC, IO Interactive has announced plans to bring it to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 platform, with a release slated for late 2026.
This move aims to capture a broader audience and extend the game’s lifecycle across multiple hardware ecosystems. "I’m genuinely 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," Abrak remarked in a recent interview.
His enthusiasm reflects the personal connection many developers feel to the iconic spy, as well as the ambition to push the series into new narrative and gameplay territories. Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed this sentiment, stating: "As an avid James Bond fan, it’s an absolute honor to welcome Hakan and the entire IO Interactive crew to our conference. I’m eager to hear the story behind the brilliant creation of 007 First Light and to learn how such a talented team managed to bring an enduring cultural figure to life in a modern gaming context." Abrak will join a distinguished roster of industry veterans who are also speaking at New Horizons.
The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering a keynote address, Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, and a panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games.” The AI panel will feature Tommy Thompson, a noted AI‑and‑games researcher, Duyguy Cakmak from Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage, who will discuss realistic expectations and practical applications of artificial intelligence in interactive entertainment. The conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside conversation with Tencent’s business development director, Teddy Keefe, focusing on strategic partnerships and market expansion. Additionally, a session called “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment” will bring together Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games to share advice on navigating early‑stage funding and sustaining growth. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance: "We haven’t fully recouped our investment yet because of the partnership structure and ongoing royalty commitments, but the results have already exceeded our most optimistic forecasts.
It’s shaping up to be a landmark achievement for us, and by every metric it’s a massive success." Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in active dialogue with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond video‑game license. While concrete details are still being negotiated, Abrak indicated that the conversation is focused on the future of the franchise and the continuation of the First Light narrative arc.
"We’ll be discussing long‑term plans with Amazon in the near future, but for now our immediate focus is on extending the life of First Light and exploring new storytelling opportunities within the Bond universe," he said. Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16, offering a three‑day program packed with keynotes, panels, and networking opportunities for developers, investors, and media professionals. The event is partnered with GamesIndustry.biz, which will provide coverage and analysis throughout the 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 share insights on how the studio balanced fan expectations with innovative design choices, ensuring that the game feels both familiar to longtime Bond enthusiasts and fresh for newcomers. Beyond the specifics of First Light, the conference will explore broader industry trends such as the evolving role of licensed IPs in games, the impact of next‑gen console hardware on development pipelines, and the importance of cross‑platform releases for maximizing audience reach.
With the inclusion of panels on AI, investment, and strategic partnerships, New Horizons aims to provide a comprehensive view of the current gaming landscape and the forces shaping its future. Overall, Hakan Abrak’s participation underscores IO Interactive’s commitment to transparency and community engagement, offering fans and fellow developers alike a rare glimpse behind the curtain of one of the most high‑profile licensed titles in recent memory.
The session promises to be a highlight of the New Horizons agenda, delivering both inspiration and practical knowledge to all who attend.