IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, will be a featured speaker at Game Republic’s flagship event, New Horizons 2026, where he will lead a dedicated session on the creation of the James Bond‑themed title 007 First Light. Abrak, who also holds the role of game director for the project, will share insights into the design philosophy, technical challenges, and narrative ambitions that shaped the game’s development. First Light has already become a landmark achievement for IO Interactive.
In just three months after its launch, the title moved more than four million units, making it the company’s fastest‑selling product to date. The sales momentum is expected to continue as the game prepares for a scheduled release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console later in 2026.
This expansion onto a new platform is part of IO Interactive’s broader strategy to reach a wider audience and to capitalize on the growing popularity of the James Bond brand among gamers. "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic’s New Horizons conference and to discuss 007 First Light, a project that has been a dream for our studio from the very beginning," Abrak said in a pre‑event statement.
He highlighted the collaborative atmosphere within the development team, noting that the game benefitted from a mix of veteran talent and fresh perspectives. "We wanted to honor the legacy of the Bond franchise while also delivering an experience that feels fresh, kinetic, and true to the spirit of a modern action‑adventure," he added. Jamie Sefton, managing director of Game Republic, echoed the excitement, describing himself as a "massive James Bond fan" and emphasizing the honor of hosting Abrak and his team. "I can’t wait to learn about the brilliant process behind 007 First Light and how the talented crew managed to bring such an iconic character to life on screen and in interactive form," Sefton remarked, underscoring the event’s focus on deep‑dive development talks.
Abrak will join a roster of industry heavyweights at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the opening keynote, Landfall’s chief business officer Rebecca Lautner, and a high‑profile panel titled "Hype‑Free Assessment of AI in Games." That discussion will feature AI specialist Tommy Thompson, Creative Assembly’s Duyguy Cakmak, and Splash Damage’s Matthias Siemonsmeier, who will explore the practical applications and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in modern game design.
In addition to the main programming, the conference will host a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, providing a glimpse into the strategic partnerships that are reshaping the gaming landscape. Another noteworthy session, "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment," will see contributions from Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games, offering valuable advice for indie developers seeking funding.
Abrak recently spoke with GamesIndustry.biz about the commercial performance of First Light. While the title has not yet fully recouped its development costs due to ongoing partnership royalties, Abrak described the results as exceeding the studio’s expectations. "It’s a massive record for us, a success that surpasses anything we imagined when we started the project," he said, noting that the financial upside will become clearer as long‑term revenue streams, such as DLC and cross‑platform sales, continue to accrue. The relationship between IO Interactive and the current Bond license holder, Amazon, remains a key point of discussion for the future of the franchise.
Although IOI is presently focused on supporting First Light and its post‑launch content, Abrak hinted that deeper talks are underway. "We are in ongoing conversations with Amazon about the broader direction of the Bond IP, but for now our priority is delivering the live‑service experience that fans are demanding," he explained. He added that future collaborations could involve expanded narrative arcs, new game formats, or even cross‑media ventures, though concrete details will be shared when the partnership solidifies. Game Republic’s New Horizons 2026 will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 through October 16.
The three‑day event aims to blend cutting‑edge development talks, investment panels, and networking opportunities for professionals across the gaming ecosystem. GamesIndustry.biz serves as a media partner for the summit, providing coverage and analysis of the announcements and sessions throughout the conference. Attendees can look forward to a deep exploration of how 007 First Light was crafted—from its narrative roots in classic Bond storytelling to the technical innovations that enabled dynamic combat, seamless open‑world traversal, and immersive cinematic moments. The session will also address the challenges of adapting a globally recognized franchise to an interactive medium, including licensing constraints, brand stewardship, and fan expectations.
In summary, Hakan Abrak’s participation at New Horizons underscores IO Interactive’s commitment to transparency, community engagement, and the continuous evolution of the Bond gaming experience. His insights will not only shed light on the success of First Light but also hint at the strategic direction of the franchise as IOI and Amazon explore future possibilities together.