IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the upcoming James Bond title, 007 First Light, during the Game Republic New Horizons conference. In addition to his role as CEO, 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 the audience through the development journey of the Bond‑themed game, sharing insights into design decisions, technical challenges, and the collaborative processes that have helped shape the final product. First Light has already proven to be a breakout hit for IO Interactive.
Within just three months of its release, the title has moved more than four million units, making it the company’s fastest‑selling game to date. The strong sales momentum has spurred plans for a broader platform rollout, with a version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 slated for a late‑2026 launch.
This expansion will allow a new generation of players to experience the sleek espionage action that has resonated so strongly with fans worldwide. 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 discuss 007 First Light, a project that has been a dream for IO Interactive from day one." His remarks underscore the personal passion that drives the team, as many developers on the project are themselves avid admirers of the James Bond franchise. Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed that sentiment, stating, "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 creation of 007 First Light and how the talented team brought such an iconic character to life." Sefton’s excitement highlights the anticipation surrounding the session, especially given the high profile of both the speaker and the title. Abrak’s appearance is part of a star‑studded lineup of industry veterans scheduled for New Horizons. The agenda includes a keynote from legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, a business‑focused talk by Landfall’s chief business officer Rebecca Lautner, and a panel titled "Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games" featuring AI specialist Tommy Thompson, Creative Assembly’s Duyguy Cakmak, and Splash Damage’s Matthias Siemonsmeier. These sessions aim to provide a balanced mix of visionary keynotes, practical business advice, and technical deep‑dives.
The conference will also host a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, offering attendees a chance to explore investment trends in the gaming sector. Additionally, a panel named "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, discussing the realities of early‑stage funding and how indie studios can navigate the often‑treacherous path to financial stability. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the commercial performance of First Light, noting that while the game has not yet fully recouped all development costs due to partnership arrangements and royalty structures, it has far exceeded the company’s original expectations. "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 said, emphasizing the significance of the title in IO Interactive’s portfolio. Looking ahead, IO Interactive is engaged in ongoing discussions with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license. While the conversations are still in early stages, Abrak hinted that the focus for now remains on maximizing First Light’s lifecycle and exploring future collaborative opportunities.
"We will soon sometime in the future be talking about the future plans between Amazon and IOI," he added, suggesting that additional Bond‑related projects could be on the horizon. Game Republic New Horizons will take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16.
The event promises a blend of high‑profile speakers, insightful panels, and networking opportunities for developers, investors, and media alike. As a media partner, GameIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage of the conference, ensuring that key announcements—such as Abrak’s deep dive into 007 First Light—reach a global audience of industry professionals and enthusiasts.
Overall, the session with Hakan Abrak offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a major licensed franchise, from concept to market performance. Attendees can expect to hear candid reflections on creative direction, technical implementation, and the strategic decisions that have propelled First Light to its current success.
Whether you are a fan of the Bond series, a developer interested in licensed game development, or an investor tracking high‑growth titles, Abrak’s presentation is poised to deliver valuable takeaways and inspire future collaborations within the ever‑evolving gaming landscape.