IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is set 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 executive responsibilities, Abrak also functions as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative dimensions of the project. During his talk, he will walk the audience through the conception, design challenges, and technical innovations that shaped First Light, which has quickly become the studio’s most successful launch to date.
Within just three months of its release, the game has moved more than four million units, a milestone that underscores its broad appeal and the effectiveness of IO Interactive’s development strategy. The session arrives at a pivotal moment for the title, as plans are already underway to bring 007 First Light to the next‑generation Nintendo Switch 2 platform later in 2026. This upcoming port is expected to broaden the game’s reach even further, tapping into the massive install base of Nintendo’s handheld‑console hybrid and offering fans a chance to experience Bond’s world on a portable device.
Abrak expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share insights about 007 First Light, a project that has long been a dream for our studio." Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed this excitement, noting his personal affinity for the Bond franchise. "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 said. Abrak will join a roster of seasoned industry leaders at New Horizons.
The conference’s keynote will be delivered by legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, followed by a business‑focused address from Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer at Landfall. A highlight for technology enthusiasts will be a panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games,” featuring AI specialist Tommy Thompson, Creative Assembly’s Duyguy Cakmak, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage, who will dissect the realistic expectations and practical applications of artificial intelligence in modern game development.
Beyond the main stages, the event’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, offering a glimpse into the strategic considerations of large‑scale publishers. 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 aspiring developers with actionable advice on navigating early‑stage financing.
In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance. He acknowledged that while the title has not yet fully recouped its development costs due to ongoing royalty agreements and partnership structures, the revenue trajectory has already surpassed the studio’s most optimistic forecasts. "It’s above all our dreams and expectations. It’s going to be a massive, massive record for us and by all measures it’s going to be a huge new success," he remarked, emphasizing the significance of the achievement for IO Interactive’s future ambitions.
Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license, about the broader direction of the franchise. While the focus for now is on extending the life cycle of First Light and exploring post‑launch content, Abrak hinted that discussions will eventually shift toward longer‑term collaborations.
"We will soon sometime in the future be talking about the future plans between Amazon and IOI," he said, suggesting that fans can anticipate further Bond‑related projects from the studio. Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, bringing together developers, publishers, investors, and media under one roof. The event’s media partner, GamesIndustry.biz, will provide extensive coverage, ensuring that the insights shared by Abrak and other industry veterans reach a global audience.
Overall, Hakan Abrak’s appearance at New Horizons promises to deliver a deep dive into the creative process behind one of the most successful James Bond games ever made, while also shedding light on the business strategies that propelled it to record‑breaking sales. Attendees can expect a blend of technical detail, storytelling craft, and forward‑looking discussion about the future of the Bond franchise in the interactive entertainment space.