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 role as CEO, Abrak also functions as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative facets of the project. During his talk, he will walk the audience through the development journey of the highly anticipated Bond entry, from its initial concept sketches to the final polish that has already resonated with players worldwide.
First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch ever, moving more than four million units within the first ninety days of release. The title’s rapid sales momentum reflects both the enduring popularity of the James Bond franchise and the studio’s reputation for delivering cinematic, narrative‑driven shooters. Building on that momentum, the company has announced that a version for the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console is slated for release in the latter half of 2026, expanding the game’s reach to a broader, portable‑gaming audience. When asked about his participation at New Horizons, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm: "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic’s New Horizons event and to share the story behind 007 First Light, a project that has been a dream for IO Interactive from day one." His remarks underscore the personal passion that the development team brought to the table, a passion that is evident in the game’s meticulous attention to detail, from the authentic recreation of classic Bond gadgets to the atmospheric locations that echo the cinematic legacy of the spy series.
Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed this sentiment, noting his own long‑standing admiration for the Bond universe. "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an absolute honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our conference.
I’m eager to dive deeper into the brilliant process behind 007 First Light and to hear how such a talented team managed to breathe new life into an iconic character," he said. Abrak’s appearance is part of a star‑studded lineup of industry veterans scheduled for New Horizons. The agenda includes a keynote address from legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, insights from Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer at Landfall, and a thought‑provoking panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games.” The AI panel will feature Tommy Thompson of AI and Games, Duyguy Cakmak from Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage, who will discuss realistic expectations for artificial intelligence in interactive entertainment.
Beyond the development talk, the conference will host a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s Business Development Director Teddy Keefe, offering a glimpse into how major publishers evaluate and support emerging titles. Another panel, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will bring together Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games to share practical advice for indie developers seeking early‑stage funding.
In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance. "We haven’t fully recouped the investment yet because of ongoing partnership agreements and royalty structures, but the results have already surpassed our most ambitious forecasts. This title is setting a new benchmark for us and, by every metric, represents a massive success," he explained. His comments highlight the complex financial landscape of licensed games, where revenue sharing with IP owners can affect short‑term profitability even as overall sales soar.
Speaking to the future of the Bond franchise, Abrak confirmed that IO Interactive remains in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current license holder for the James Bond property. While the studio is presently focused on extending the lifecycle of First Light—through post‑launch content, live‑service updates, and the upcoming Switch version—Abrak hinted that broader discussions about the franchise’s direction are on the horizon.
"At some point in the future we’ll be talking about longer‑term plans between Amazon and IOI," he said, suggesting that additional Bond titles or expansions could be in the pipeline. Game Republic New Horizons will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16, bringing together developers, publishers, investors, and media partners for three days of networking, knowledge sharing, and industry showcases.
GamesIndustry.biz serves as a media partner for the event, providing coverage and analysis for attendees and the broader gaming community. Overall, Hakan Abrak’s session promises to deliver an inside look at the creative decisions, technical challenges, and strategic partnerships that shaped 007 First Light.
Whether you’re a fan of the legendary spy, a developer curious about licensed game production, or an investor tracking high‑growth titles, the New Horizons conference offers a unique platform to explore the intersection of iconic storytelling and modern game development.