IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the James Bond‑themed title 007 First Light during Game Republic’s 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 facets of the project. During his talk he will walk the audience through the conception, design, and technical execution of the game, shedding light on the challenges and breakthroughs that defined its development. First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date.
Within the first ninety days the title moved more than four million units, a milestone that dwarfs the company’s previous best‑selling releases. The impressive sales figures have been driven by a combination of strong brand recognition, a well‑executed marketing push, and a gameplay experience that resonates with both long‑time Bond fans and newcomers to the franchise. The studio has announced that a version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console is slated for release in late 2026, expanding the game’s reach to a broader audience and further cementing its status as a cross‑generational hit. "I’m genuinely thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light," Abrak remarked in a pre‑event interview.
"This project has been a dream for IO Interactive from day one, and seeing it resonate with players around the world has been incredibly rewarding." His enthusiasm reflects the passion that has driven the team throughout the development cycle, from early concept sketches to the final polish of the game’s cinematic sequences. Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an honour to welcome Hakan and his team to our conference.
I’m eager to learn more about the brilliant work that went into bringing such an iconic spy to life on screen and in gameplay form." Sefton’s remarks highlight the anticipation surrounding the session, as industry insiders and fans alike are keen to understand how IO Interactive balanced fidelity to the Bond legacy with innovative game mechanics. Abrak will share the stage with a roster of seasoned veterans 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 panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games.” The AI panel will feature Tommy Thompson (AI and Games), Duyguy Cakmak (Creative Assembly), and Matthias Siemonsmeier (Splash Damage), who will discuss the realistic expectations and practical applications of artificial intelligence in modern game development. The conference agenda also includes a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Teddy Keefe, business development director for Tencent, and a panel called “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” featuring Nick Button‑Brown (The Game Angels), Tracy McGarrigan (Ansible), and Ian Masters (Flick Games).
These sessions aim to provide emerging developers with actionable insights into financing, scaling, and navigating the competitive landscape of the gaming industry. In a recent conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the commercial performance of First Light.
"We haven’t fully recouped the investment yet because of ongoing partnership agreements and royalty structures, but the results have already exceeded our most optimistic forecasts. By every metric, this title represents a massive win for IO Interactive and sets a new benchmark for future projects," he explained. His comments underscore the strategic importance of the Bond license and the potential for long‑term revenue streams beyond initial sales.
IO Interactive is currently engaged in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license, about the broader future of the franchise. While the immediate focus remains on supporting First Light and its upcoming Switch 2 launch, Abrak hinted that discussions are also exploring additional titles, expansions, and possibly new narrative directions within the Bond universe. "We will, at some point in the future, discuss the long‑term roadmap between Amazon and IO Interactive," he said, indicating that the partnership could evolve into a multi‑title agreement.
Game Republic’s New Horizons event will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16. The three‑day gathering promises a blend of high‑profile keynotes, technical deep‑dives, and networking opportunities for developers, publishers, investors, and media representatives. GamesIndustry.biz has been confirmed as a media partner for the 2026 edition, ensuring extensive coverage and analysis of the announcements made on the conference floor.
Attendees can look forward to gaining a comprehensive view of how IO Interactive turned a beloved cinematic spy into an interactive experience that resonates with modern gamers. Abrak’s session is expected to cover topics such as narrative integration, character animation pipelines, level design that captures the essence of Bond’s exotic locales, and the marketing strategies that propelled First Light to record‑breaking sales.
By the end of the conference, participants will have a deeper appreciation for the intricate balance between respecting a storied intellectual property and pushing the boundaries of game design. Overall, the New Horizons conference serves as a pivotal platform for sharing industry best practices, exploring emerging technologies, and fostering collaborations that will shape the next wave of video game innovation. Hakan Abrak’s presence adds a high‑profile spotlight to the event, reinforcing the significance of 007 First Light as both a commercial triumph and a case study in successful licensed game development.