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 executive responsibilities, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative aspects of the title.
During his talk, he will walk the audience through the design philosophy, technical hurdles, and narrative choices that shaped the latest James Bond adventure. First Light has already distinguished itself as the studio’s quickest‑selling product ever, moving more than four million copies within just three months of release. The strong commercial performance underscores the enduring appeal of the Bond franchise and the studio’s ability to translate that legacy into a modern interactive experience. While the game launched on current‑generation platforms earlier this year, a version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for a late‑2026 release, expanding its reach to handheld gamers worldwide.
"I’m genuinely thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light," Abrak said in a recent statement. "This project has been a dream for IO Interactive from day one, and seeing it resonate with players around the globe is incredibly rewarding." Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed the excitement, adding, "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an absolute honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive team to our conference.
I’m eager to hear the behind‑the‑scenes details of how such an iconic character was brought to life by a talented group of developers." Abrak joins a roster of seasoned industry figures at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the opening keynote, as well as Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer at Landfall, who will discuss market trends. A panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games” will feature Tommy Thompson of AI and Games, Duyguy Cakmak from Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage, offering a balanced view on the realistic applications of artificial intelligence in interactive media. The conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, focusing on strategic partnerships in the gaming sector.
Another panel, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will see insights from Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games, providing emerging studios with practical advice on fundraising. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s financial trajectory.
"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. By every metric, this title is setting a new benchmark for us and represents a major triumph," he explained.
Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license, about the broader future of the franchise. While the focus for now is on supporting First Light and its upcoming live‑service components, Abrak hinted that discussions will eventually expand to longer‑term collaboration plans. "Soon, we’ll be talking more concretely about future initiatives between Amazon and IOI," he said.
Game Republic New Horizons is scheduled to take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 through October 16. The event promises a blend of high‑profile talks, hands‑on demos, and networking opportunities for developers, publishers, and investors alike. GameIndustry.biz will serve as a media partner, providing coverage and analysis throughout the three‑day summit. Attendees can expect a deep dive into the creative process behind 007 First Light, including storyboarding, character modeling, motion capture, and the integration of Bond’s signature gadgets into gameplay mechanics.
Abrak plans to share anecdotes about collaborating with the license holders, navigating the balance between staying true to the classic Bond aesthetic and introducing fresh, player‑driven experiences. The session will also touch on the marketing strategy that helped propel First Light to its record‑breaking sales figures.
From coordinated teaser campaigns to cross‑platform promotions and community engagement initiatives, IO Interactive leveraged a multi‑channel approach that resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers. Finally, Abrak will address the upcoming Switch 2 port, outlining the technical optimizations required to deliver a console‑level experience on a handheld device. This includes discussions on performance scaling, control scheme adaptations, and ensuring that the game’s cinematic moments retain their impact on the new hardware.
Overall, the New Horizons conference offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the industry’s leading CEOs about the intersection of legacy IP management, innovative game design, and commercial success. Whether you are a developer seeking inspiration, an investor scouting the next big hit, or simply a fan of James Bond, Hakan Abrak’s session promises valuable insights and compelling stories from the front lines of modern game development.