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 serves as the game’s director, giving him a uniquely comprehensive perspective on both the business and creative aspects of the project.
During his talk, Abrak will walk the audience through the development journey of 007 First Light, a game that has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date. Within the first three months after release, the title surpassed four million units sold worldwide, a milestone that underscores both the enduring appeal of the James Bond brand and the studio’s ability to deliver a compelling, modern spy experience. The game’s next major platform rollout is slated for the Nintendo Switch 2, with a targeted release window in late 2026, expanding its reach to a broader console audience.
"I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light, which has been a dream project for our studio," Abrak said in a recent statement. "From the earliest concept sketches to the final polish, every step has been guided by our passion for the Bond legacy and our commitment to pushing interactive storytelling forward." Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed the excitement, adding, "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an absolute honor to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive team to our conference.
I’m eager to hear about the brilliant craftsmanship that went into bringing such an iconic character to life and to learn how the team tackled the challenges of translating Bond’s cinematic flair into an immersive gameplay experience." Abrak will join a roster of seasoned industry figures who are also speaking at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering a keynote address, Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer of Landfall, and a forward‑looking panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games.” The AI panel will feature Tommy Thompson, a recognized authority on artificial intelligence and games, Duyguy Cakmak from Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage, each offering insights into the realistic and ethical deployment of AI technologies in modern game design.
Beyond the main stage, the conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s Business Development Director Teddy Keefe, providing a glimpse into the strategic partnerships shaping the global gaming market. Another panel, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will see seasoned investors Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games discuss the nuances of early‑stage financing, risk mitigation, and growth strategies for indie developers.
In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the commercial performance of First Light, noting, "While we haven’t fully recouped all costs yet due to ongoing partnership royalties, the game has already exceeded our most optimistic forecasts. It represents a massive record for us and, by every metric, marks a significant new success in IO Interactive’s history." The conversation around the James Bond franchise remains active, as IO Interactive continues its dialogue with Amazon, the current license holder for Bond properties.
Abrak clarified that while the studio is presently focused on extending the life cycle of First Light, broader discussions about future collaborations with Amazon are ongoing. "We anticipate that, in due course, we’ll be able to share more concrete plans regarding the next steps between Amazon and IO Interactive," he said.
Game Republic New Horizons is scheduled to take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16, 2026. The event promises a blend of high‑level industry discourse, networking opportunities, and deep dives into cutting‑edge game development topics.
GameIndustry.biz will serve as a media partner for the summit, providing coverage and analysis throughout the three‑day gathering. Attendees can expect not only to hear Abrak’s detailed recounting of the creative process behind 007 First Light—covering everything from narrative design, character modeling, and motion capture to the integration of Bond’s signature gadgets and cinematic set pieces—but also to engage in broader conversations about the future of licensed properties in interactive media.
The session aims to illuminate how IO Interactive balanced the expectations of a global fanbase with the practicalities of game development, all while navigating the complex licensing landscape. Overall, the inclusion of Hakan Abrak’s session underscores Game Republic New Horizons’ commitment to showcasing both commercial triumphs and the artistic craftsmanship that drive the industry forward. Participants will leave with a richer understanding of how a beloved film franchise can be reimagined for the next generation of gamers, and how strategic partnerships, innovative technology, and passionate storytelling converge to create a blockbuster gaming experience.