IO Interactive’s chief executive officer, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the James Bond title 007 First Light during the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In addition to his executive duties, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative aspects of the project. During his talk, he will walk attendees through the development journey of the Bond‑themed shooter, sharing insights into design decisions, technical challenges, and the collaborative processes that helped shape the final product. First Light has already become IO Interactive’s fastest‑selling game ever, moving more than four million units within its first three months on the market.
The strong sales figures reflect both the enduring appeal of the James Bond franchise and the studio’s ability to deliver a fresh, cinematic experience that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers. Building on this momentum, the company has announced plans to bring the title to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, with a release window set for late 2026.
This move aims to broaden the game’s audience by tapping into the portable gaming segment, offering players the chance to experience Bond’s high‑octane missions on the go. When asked about his upcoming appearance, Abrak expressed genuine excitement: "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 enthusiasm underscores the personal connection many developers feel to the iconic spy, and highlights how the studio approached the title not merely as another licensed product, but as a passion‑driven endeavor. Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed this sentiment, stating, "As a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive team to our conference.
I can’t wait to hear more about the brilliant creation of 007 First Light and learn how the talented crew brought such an iconic character to life on screen." Sefton’s remarks capture the anticipation surrounding the session, as industry observers are eager to understand how IO Interactive balanced the expectations of a beloved franchise with the need for innovative gameplay. Abrak’s appearance is part of a star‑studded lineup of veteran industry figures scheduled for New Horizons. The roster includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi as a keynote speaker, Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, and a thought‑provoking panel titled "Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games," featuring Tommy Thompson (AI and Games), Duyguy Cakmak (Creative Assembly), and Matthias Siemonsmeier (Splash Damage).
These sessions aim to foster candid discussions about emerging technologies, market trends, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in interactive entertainment. Beyond the main stage, the conference will host a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, offering a glimpse into the strategic partnerships shaping the future of gaming.
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, providing practical advice for indie developers seeking funding. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance, noting, "We haven’t fully recouped yet because there’s a partnership component and royalties involved, but the results have already exceeded our wildest expectations.
This is shaping up to be a massive record for us, and by all measures it represents a huge new success." His comments highlight the complex financial structures often present in licensed games, where revenue sharing and royalty agreements can affect net profitability even when sales numbers are impressive. Looking ahead, IO Interactive is reportedly engaged in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license, regarding the longer‑term future of the franchise.
While the focus for now remains on supporting First Light and its upcoming live‑service extensions, Abrak hinted that deeper collaboration with Amazon could be on the horizon. "We’ll be talking about future plans between Amazon and IOI sometime in the future," he said, suggesting that fans may see additional Bond titles or expanded content in the years to come. Game Republic New Horizons will take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, gathering developers, publishers, investors, and media from around the globe.
The event’s partnership with GamesIndustry.biz as a media partner underscores its significance as a hub for industry news and networking. Overall, Abrak’s session promises to deliver a comprehensive look at how IO Interactive turned a beloved cinematic universe into an interactive masterpiece, navigating licensing constraints, technical hurdles, and fan expectations. Attendees can expect to leave with a deeper appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship behind 007 First Light, as well as valuable lessons applicable to any studio aiming to blend iconic IPs with innovative gameplay. The conference, with its blend of high‑profile speakers and practical panels, offers a unique platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaborations, and charting the future direction of the gaming industry.