IO Interactive’s chief executive officer, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the creation of the new 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 game, highlighting the challenges, breakthroughs, and design philosophies that shaped its final form.
First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date. Within the first ninety days on the market, the title surpassed four million units sold, a milestone that eclipses the company’s previous best‑selling releases.
This rapid commercial uptake reflects not only the enduring appeal of the James Bond franchise but also the studio’s ability to deliver a fresh, cinematic experience that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers. The game is slated for a release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console in late 2026, expanding its reach to a broader audience and tapping into the handheld market’s growing popularity.
When asked about his participation in the conference, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm: "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light. This project has been a dream for IO Interactive, and presenting it to an industry‑savvy audience is a real honor." His remarks underscore the personal investment the team has made in bringing the iconic spy to life in a modern gaming context.
Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed this sentiment, noting his own long‑standing admiration for the Bond series. "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honor to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our event.
I’m eager to hear the inside details of how such a legendary character was reimagined for today’s gamers," Sefton said. His excitement hints at the broader anticipation within the gaming community for deeper insights into the creative process behind the title. Abrak will join a roster of seasoned industry figures who are also speaking at New Horizons.
The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the keynote address, and Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer of Landfall, who will share strategic perspectives on publishing. A notable panel titled "Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games" will feature AI specialist Tommy Thompson, Creative Assembly’s Duyguy Cakmak, and Matthias Siemonsmeier from Splash Damage, promising a balanced discussion on the realistic expectations and practical applications of artificial intelligence in game development.
In addition to the main sessions, the conference will host a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s Business Development Director Teddy Keefe, offering a glimpse into the financial and partnership dynamics that shape modern gaming ventures. Another panel, "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment," will see veteran investors Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games discuss the nuances of early‑stage funding, risk mitigation, and growth strategies for indie studios. Abrak recently opened up about First Light’s commercial performance in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz.
He explained, "We haven’t fully recouped our investment yet because of ongoing partnership agreements and royalty structures, but the results have already exceeded our most optimistic forecasts. By all metrics, this is shaping up to be a monumental success for IO Interactive, far beyond what we initially imagined." His comments highlight the complex financial landscape of licensed games, where revenue sharing and long‑term royalties can extend the break‑even horizon even as sales soar.
Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond video‑game license. While the focus for now is on supporting First Light and its post‑launch content, Abrak hinted that future collaborations are on the table.
"Soon, we’ll be discussing broader plans with Amazon regarding the franchise’s direction. For the moment, our priority is to maximize First Light’s lifecycle and explore any additional opportunities that may arise," he said. Game Republic New Horizons will take place at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16.
The event promises a blend of high‑profile talks, practical workshops, and networking opportunities for developers, publishers, and investors alike. As a media partner, GamesIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage, ensuring that the insights shared at the conference reach a global audience of industry professionals. Overall, Hakan Abrak’s participation underscores IO Interactive’s commitment to transparency and community engagement.
By opening up about the creative decisions, technical hurdles, and business considerations behind 007 First Light, the studio not only celebrates its current achievements but also sets the stage for future collaborations within the Bond universe and beyond. Attendees can expect a deep dive into the art of translating a cinematic legend into an interactive experience, as well as valuable takeaways on navigating licensed IPs, scaling sales, and planning for long‑term franchise health. The conference’s diverse agenda, ranging from AI ethics to investment strategies, reflects the multifaceted nature of modern game development. For anyone interested in the intersection of storytelling, technology, and business, the New Horizons summit offers a unique platform to learn from leaders like Abrak and to gain actionable insights that can be applied across the industry.
With the combination of a record‑breaking title, a high‑profile speaker lineup, and a strategic focus on future licensing discussions, Game Republic New Horizons 2026 is poised to be a pivotal moment for both IO Interactive and the broader gaming community.