IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is set to lead a dedicated session on the upcoming James Bond title, 007 First Light, during the Game Republic New Horizons conference. In addition to his role as CEO, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative aspects of the project.
During his presentation, he will walk the audience through the development journey of the Bond‑themed game, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that have defined its creation. First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date. Within just three months of release, the title has moved more than four million units worldwide, a milestone that surpasses the studio’s previous best‑selling efforts.
The strong performance has generated considerable excitement among fans and industry observers alike, especially as the company has announced plans to bring the game to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 platform in late 2026. This upcoming console release is expected to broaden the game’s audience even further, offering handheld gamers a chance to experience the sleek espionage action that has become synonymous with the Bond franchise. "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light," Abrak said in a recent interview.
"The project has been a dream for IO Interactive from day one, and seeing it resonate with players around the globe is incredibly rewarding." His remarks underscore the personal passion that drives the studio’s approach to the iconic spy series, as well as the strategic importance of the title within IO Interactive’s broader portfolio. Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed Abrak’s enthusiasm. "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honour to welcome Hakan and his team to our conference," Sefton explained. "I’m eager to dive deeper into the creative process behind First Light and learn how the developers managed to capture the essence of such an enduring character while pushing the medium forward." Abrak’s appearance is part of a star‑studded lineup of industry veterans scheduled for New Horizons.
The agenda includes a keynote address by legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, a discussion featuring Landfall’s chief business officer Rebecca Lautner, and a panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games.” The AI panel will bring together Tommy Thompson of AI and Games, Duyguy Cakmak from Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier of Splash Damage to examine the realistic expectations and practical applications of artificial intelligence in modern game development. Beyond the main stage, the conference will host a fireside chat in the Investor Zone with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, offering insight into the strategic partnerships shaping the global gaming market.
Another notable session, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will feature Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games, who will share their experiences navigating early‑stage financing and scaling indie studios. In a recent conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the commercial impact 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," he noted. "By all metrics, this title is shaping up to be a landmark achievement for IO Interactive, marking a new high point in both revenue and brand recognition." The studio’s relationship with the Bond license holder, Amazon, remains an active dialogue.
While the current focus is on promoting First Light and its upcoming live‑service extensions, Abrak hinted that deeper collaborations are on the horizon. "We’re in ongoing conversations with Amazon about the future of the franchise," he said. "For now, our priority is to keep delivering fresh content for First Light, but we anticipate discussing broader plans for the Bond universe in the near future." Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14‑16, 2026. The event promises a blend of high‑profile keynotes, technical panels, and networking opportunities designed to foster innovation across the industry.
As a media partner, GamesIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage of the conference, ensuring that the insights shared by leaders like Abrak reach a global audience of developers, investors, and enthusiasts. Overall, the inclusion of IO Interactive’s CEO and the deep dive into 007 First Light underscores the growing significance of licensed, narrative‑driven experiences in the contemporary gaming landscape. With record sales, a forthcoming console release, and the potential for expanded collaborations with Amazon, First Light stands as a testament to how classic intellectual property can be revitalized through modern design, technology, and strategic partnership.
Attendees at New Horizons can expect to walk away with a richer understanding of how a beloved franchise can be translated into a commercially successful, critically acclaimed video game, and what that means for the future of licensed titles in an ever‑evolving market.