IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is set 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 CEO responsibilities, Abrak also functions as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative sides of the project. During his talk, he will walk the audience through the conception, design decisions, technical hurdles, and narrative choices that shaped the latest Bond experience.
First Light has already proven to be a commercial milestone for IO Interactive. Within the first three months after launch, the game moved more than four million units, making it the studio’s fastest‑selling title to date. This rapid uptake reflects both the enduring popularity of the Bond franchise and the studio’s reputation for delivering polished, story‑driven action. While the initial release targeted current‑generation consoles and PC, the developers have confirmed that a version for the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release in late 2026, expanding the game’s reach to handheld gamers worldwide.
Abrak expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “I’m genuinely thrilled to attend Game Republic New Horizons and share insights about 007 First Light. This project has been a dream for IO Interactive, and being able to discuss its development with fellow industry professionals is a real honor.” His remarks underscore the personal passion that drives the team; many of the developers grew up watching Bond films, and they aimed to capture that cinematic spirit while introducing fresh gameplay mechanics.
Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed that sentiment: “As a massive James Bond fan, it’s an immense honor to welcome Hakan and his team to our conference. I’m eager to learn more about the brilliant process behind 007 First Light and how the talented crew brought such an iconic character to life on screen.” Sefton’s comment highlights the broader excitement within the gaming community for a title that successfully bridges classic spy lore with modern interactive storytelling. Abrak joins a star‑studded roster of speakers at New Horizons. The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the opening keynote, as well as Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer at Landfall, who will discuss emerging market trends.
A particularly timely 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, offering a balanced view on how artificial intelligence is reshaping game design without inflating expectations. The conference also dedicates space for investors. In the Investor Zone, a fireside chat will host Teddy Keefe, Business Development Director at Tencent, providing insights into global publishing partnerships.
Another panel, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will see veteran financiers Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games share practical advice for indie developers seeking early‑stage funding. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the financial performance of First Light.
He noted, “We haven’t fully recouped yet because of ongoing partnership royalties, but the numbers have already surpassed our most optimistic forecasts. This title is setting a new benchmark for us, and by every metric it’s a massive success.” His candid assessment underscores the complexities of licensing agreements—IO Interactive works under a partnership with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond IP—while still celebrating the commercial triumph. Speaking about the future of the franchise, Abrak hinted at continued dialogue with Amazon.
“We’re in ongoing conversations about the long‑term direction of the Bond license,” he said. “Right now, we’re focused on First Light and its live‑service extensions, but we anticipate discussing broader plans with Amazon in the near future.” This suggests that additional Bond‑related projects, possibly expansions or entirely new titles, could be on the horizon, contingent on the outcome of these negotiations.
Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, 2026. The three‑day 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 stakeholders. Overall, Hakan Abrak’s session on 007 First Light is poised to be a highlight of the summit, offering a deep dive into how a beloved cinematic universe can be translated into an interactive experience that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers.
Attendees can expect to leave with a richer understanding of the creative process, the business considerations of licensed properties, and the strategic roadmap IO Interactive envisions for the Bond franchise moving forward.