IO Interactive’s chief executive, 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 duties as CEO, Abrak also functions as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative facets of the project. During his presentation, he will walk attendees through the development journey of First Light, highlighting the design choices, technical hurdles, and narrative decisions that shaped the final product.
First Light has already become IO Interactive’s most rapidly selling title ever, moving more than four million copies within just three months of launch. The game’s commercial success has been bolstered by strong critical reception and a fan base eager for a fresh take on the legendary spy.
While the initial release covered major platforms, the company has announced that a version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release in late 2026, expanding the audience even further. 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, which has been a dream project for our studio. It’s rare to get the chance to share the behind‑the‑scenes story of a game that combines a beloved franchise with our own creative vision." His remarks underscore the personal investment he has in the title, which has been a labor of love for the entire IO Interactive team.
Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed the sentiment, noting his own long‑standing admiration for the Bond franchise. "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an absolute honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our event. I’m eager to learn more about the brilliant process behind 007 First Light and how the team managed to breathe fresh life into such an iconic character," Sefton said. Abrak will join a distinguished roster of industry veterans on the conference agenda.
Among them is legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the keynote address, as well as Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer at Landfall, who will share insights on publishing strategy. A notable panel titled "Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games" will feature experts Tommy Thompson (AI and Games), Duyguy Cakmak (Creative Assembly), and Matthias Siemonsmeier (Splash Damage), exploring realistic expectations for artificial intelligence in interactive entertainment.
The event’s Investor Zone will host a fireside conversation with Tencent’s business development director, Teddy Keefe, focusing on global market trends and partnership opportunities. Another panel, "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment," will bring together Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games to discuss the nuances of early‑stage financing for indie developers. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the financial performance of First Light. "We haven’t fully recouped the investment yet because of ongoing partnership agreements and royalty structures, but the numbers have already exceeded our most optimistic forecasts.
This title is setting a new benchmark for us, and by every metric it’s a massive success," he explained. He emphasized that the partnership model—particularly the collaboration with Amazon, which holds the James Bond license—adds complexity to revenue calculations but also opens doors for future expansions. Speaking about the broader relationship with Amazon, Abrak clarified that while talks are ongoing regarding the long‑term future of the Bond franchise, the immediate focus remains on First Light and its post‑launch support.
"We are in continuous dialogue with Amazon about the franchise’s trajectory. For now, our conversations are centered on First Light and its live‑service component, but we anticipate discussing larger strategic plans in the near future," he said. Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 through October 16, offering a three‑day program that blends keynote speeches, developer panels, and networking opportunities.
The conference’s media partner, GamesIndustry.biz, will provide extensive coverage, ensuring that insights from sessions like Abrak’s reach a global audience of developers, investors, and journalists. Overall, the inclusion of Hakan Abrak and the deep dive into 007 First Light signal the event’s commitment to showcasing both blockbuster successes and the intricate processes behind them. Attendees can expect to leave with a richer understanding of how a storied franchise can be reimagined for modern gamers, the business considerations of high‑profile IP collaborations, and the future direction of IO Interactive’s partnership with the Bond license holder.