IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on the creation of the James Bond‑themed title 007 First Light during the upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, giving him a hands‑on perspective on both the strategic and creative dimensions of the project. During his talk, Abrak will walk attendees through the development journey of First Light, a title that has already become IO Interactive’s quickest‑selling release in the company’s history. Within the first three months after launch, the game moved more than four million units, a milestone that underscores both the strength of the Bond brand and the studio’s execution.
While the initial launch targeted current‑generation consoles and PC, the studio has announced plans to bring the game to the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 platform, with a projected release window in late 2026. "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light, which has been a dream project for our entire team," Abrak said in a pre‑event interview. "From the earliest concept sketches to the final polish, every step was driven by a deep respect for the James Bond legacy and a desire to deliver something fresh for both longtime fans and newcomers." Game Republic Managing Director Jamie Sefton echoed the excitement, adding, "Being an avid James Bond fan myself, it’s a real honor to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our conference. I’m eager to hear the details of how such an iconic character was re‑imagined for a modern gaming audience, and to learn about the creative processes that made it possible." Abrak will join a distinguished roster of industry veterans on the New Horizons agenda.
The line‑up includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering the keynote address, Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer of Landfall, and a forward‑looking 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 practical applications of artificial intelligence without the surrounding buzz. In addition to the main sessions, the conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s Business Development Director Teddy Keefe, offering insights into global publishing strategies. 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 realities of early‑stage financing for indie developers. Abrak recently opened up about First Light’s commercial performance in a conversation with GamesIndustry.biz.
He explained, "While we haven’t fully recouped all costs yet because of the partnership structure and royalty arrangements, the results have already exceeded our most optimistic forecasts. By every metric, this title is setting a new record for us and represents a massive success that validates our creative direction." The interview also touched on IO Interactive’s ongoing dialogue with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license. Abrak clarified that while the studio is actively discussing the long‑term future of the franchise, the immediate focus remains on supporting First Light and its upcoming live‑service components.
"We’ll be talking more concretely about future collaborations with Amazon in due course," he said, hinting at potential expansions or new titles that could build on the momentum generated by First Light. Game Republic New Horizons will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 through October 16. The event promises a blend of high‑profile talks, practical workshops, and networking opportunities for developers, publishers, and investors alike.
GameIndustry.biz will serve as a media partner for the 2026 edition, providing coverage and analysis throughout the three‑day summit. Overall, Abrak’s participation signals IO Interactive’s commitment to transparency and community engagement. By sharing the triumphs and challenges behind 007 First Light, the studio hopes to inspire other developers to pursue ambitious licensed projects while maintaining creative integrity.
Attendees can expect a deep dive into topics such as narrative design for an established IP, the technical hurdles of delivering a high‑fidelity experience across multiple platforms, and the marketing strategies that propelled the game to record‑breaking sales. For anyone interested in the intersection of blockbuster entertainment franchises and interactive media, the New Horizons session with Hakan Abrak will be a must‑watch event, offering valuable lessons that extend far beyond the world of espionage and into the broader landscape of modern game development.