IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the creation of 007 First Light during the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Abrak also holds the role of game director for First Light, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative facets of the project.
During his talk, he will walk attendees through the conceptual origins, design challenges, and technical innovations that shaped the newest James Bond title from the Copenhagen‑based studio. First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date.
Within just three months of its release, the game has moved more than four million units worldwide, a milestone that eclipses the studio’s previous best‑selling titles. The sales surge has been driven by a combination of strong brand recognition, positive critical reception, and a strategic multi‑platform rollout that includes a forthcoming version for the Nintendo Switch 2, slated for late 2026. This upcoming console release is expected to broaden the game’s audience even further, tapping into the portable gaming market and delivering the Bond experience to a new generation of players.
When asked about his participation in the event, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm: "I’m really excited to be attending Game Republic New Horizons and to speak about 007 First Light, which was a dream project for IO Interactive." His remarks underscore the personal passion that the team brought to the table; many developers on the project are self‑identified Bond fans who wanted to honor the legacy of the iconic spy while introducing fresh gameplay mechanics and narrative twists. Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed this sentiment, noting, "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 007 First Light’s creation and how the talented team worked on bringing such an iconic character to life." Sefton’s comments highlight the anticipation surrounding the session, as industry insiders and fans alike are eager to hear details about how the studio balanced fidelity to the classic Bond formula with modern gaming expectations.
Abrak’s appearance is part of a star‑studded lineup of seasoned professionals at New Horizons. The agenda also features a keynote from legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, insights from Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer at Landfall, and a forward‑looking panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games.” The AI discussion will be led by Tommy Thompson of AI and Games, Duyguy Cakmak from Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage, promising a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping game design without the usual marketing buzz. Beyond the main stage, the conference offers a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s business development director, Teddy Keefe, as well as a practical panel called “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment.” This latter session will feature Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games, providing valuable advice for indie developers seeking funding.
In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance, noting that while the studio has not yet fully recouped its investment due to ongoing royalty agreements and partnership structures, the results have exceeded internal forecasts. "We haven’t completely recouped yet because there’s a partnership as well, and royalties. But 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. His comments illustrate the nuanced financial landscape of licensed games, where revenue streams can be delayed but long‑term profitability remains a key goal. IO Interactive is also engaged in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond video‑game license.
While the immediate focus remains on supporting First Light and its upcoming Switch 2 version, Abrak hinted at broader strategic discussions about the franchise’s future. "We will soon sometime in the future be talking about the future plans between Amazon and IOI," he remarked, suggesting that new collaborations or extensions of the Bond universe could be on the horizon. Game Republic New Horizons will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, offering three days of panels, keynotes, and networking opportunities for developers, investors, and media.
The event is backed by GameIndustry.biz as a media partner, ensuring extensive coverage of announcements such as Abrak’s session. Overall, the inclusion of Hakan Abrak’s First Light presentation underscores the growing importance of high‑profile licensed titles in the modern gaming ecosystem. By sharing the development journey—from initial concept sketches and narrative design to the technical hurdles of rendering Bond’s signature gadgets on next‑gen hardware—Abrak aims to provide both inspiration and practical lessons for fellow creators.
Attendees can expect to leave with a deeper appreciation for how a beloved cultural icon can be reimagined for interactive entertainment, as well as insight into the business strategies that turn a passion project into a record‑breaking commercial success.