IO Interactive’s chief executive officer, 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 wears the hat of game director for First Light, giving him a unique dual perspective on both the business and creative aspects of the project. During his presentation, he will walk the audience through the journey from concept to launch, highlighting the design decisions, technical hurdles, and narrative choices that shaped the James Bond‑themed title.
First Light has already proven to be a breakout hit for IO Interactive. Within the first three months of its release the game moved more than four million units, making it the studio’s fastest‑selling title to date.
This commercial success has been bolstered by strong critical reception, with reviewers praising the game’s faithful representation of the Bond universe, its polished gameplay mechanics, and the way it balances cinematic storytelling with interactive freedom. The title is also set to expand its platform reach by arriving on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console in late 2026, a move that is expected to introduce the game to a broader audience of handheld gamers. When asked about his upcoming appearance, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm: "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to discuss 007 First Light, a project that has been a dream for IO Interactive from day one." His comments underscore the personal passion that the team has invested in the franchise, as well as the strategic importance of the event for showcasing the studio’s achievements to industry peers, investors, and press.
Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed this sentiment, noting, "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our conference. I’m eager to hear more about the brilliant creation process behind 007 First Light and how the talented team managed to bring such an iconic spy to life in a modern gaming context." Abrak will join a roster of seasoned veterans and thought leaders at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering the keynote address, Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer at Landfall, and a forward‑looking panel titled "Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games." That discussion will feature AI specialist Tommy Thompson, Creative Assembly’s Duyguy Cakmak, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage, who will dissect the realistic expectations for artificial intelligence in interactive entertainment. The conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, offering insights into the dynamics of large‑scale investment in game studios.
Another panel, "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, who will share practical advice on navigating early‑stage funding and maintaining creative control. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s performance, stating, "We haven’t fully recouped yet because of the partnership structure and royalty agreements, but the results have exceeded our wildest expectations.
This title is setting a massive new record for us and represents a significant milestone in our growth trajectory." The future of the James Bond franchise at IO Interactive remains a topic of ongoing negotiation. The studio is currently in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current license holder for the Bond IP, about long‑term collaboration.
While the immediate focus remains on supporting First Light and its upcoming live‑service components, Abrak hinted that deeper discussions about future Bond projects are on the horizon: "Soon, at some point, we’ll be talking about the broader plans between Amazon and IO Interactive." Game Republic New Horizons is scheduled to take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16. The event promises a blend of high‑level industry discourse, networking opportunities, and deep dives into cutting‑edge game development topics. As a media partner, GamesIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage, ensuring that the insights shared by Abrak and other speakers reach a global audience of developers, publishers, and enthusiasts.
Overall, Abrak’s session is expected to offer a comprehensive look at how a beloved cinematic franchise can be successfully translated into an interactive experience, the business strategies that underpin such a venture, and the collaborative efforts required to deliver a product that resonates with both fans of the original films and new players alike. Attendees can anticipate learning about the iterative design process, the role of licensing negotiations, and the technical innovations that enabled IO Interactive to deliver a game that feels both fresh and faithful to the James Bond legacy.