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 duties, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, granting him a unique perspective on both the business and creative aspects of the title.
During his talk, Abrak will walk attendees through the journey of bringing James Bond’s latest adventure to life, from the initial concept sketches to the final polish that has resonated with players worldwide. Since its launch, First Light has become IO Interactive’s quickest‑selling title ever, moving more than four million copies in just three months. The strong sales performance has not only exceeded internal forecasts but also cemented the game’s status as a flagship entry in the studio’s portfolio.
Looking ahead, the company has announced a planned release for the Nintendo Switch 2, targeting a late‑2026 window. "I’m genuinely 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 team," Abrak remarked in a recent interview. "From the earliest brainstorming sessions to the final launch, every step has been driven by a deep respect for the Bond legacy and a desire to deliver something fresh for both longtime fans and newcomers." Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed this enthusiasm: "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honor to welcome Hakan and the entire IO Interactive crew to our conference. I’m eager to dive into the details of how such an iconic character was re‑imagined and to learn about the creative challenges the team overcame." Abrak joins a roster of seasoned industry figures scheduled to appear at New Horizons.
The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the keynote address, as well as Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer of Landfall, who will discuss market trends. A panel titled “Hype‑Free Assessment of AI in Games” will feature Tommy Thompson from AI and Games, Duyguy Cakmak of Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier from Splash Damage, promising a deep dive into the realistic applications of artificial intelligence in interactive entertainment.
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 see Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games share practical advice for indie developers seeking early‑stage funding. In a separate conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance: "We haven’t fully recouped yet because of ongoing partnership agreements and royalty structures, but the results have already surpassed our wildest expectations. It’s shaping up to be a record‑breaking achievement for IO Interactive, and by every metric it’s a massive success." The future of the James Bond franchise remains a topic of active discussion between IO Interactive and Amazon, the current license holder.
While concrete plans are still under negotiation, Abrak hinted that talks are progressing: "We’re in ongoing conversations with Amazon about the long‑term direction of the Bond IP. For now, our focus is on First Light and its post‑launch support, but we anticipate more detailed discussions about future collaborations in the coming months." Game Republic New Horizons will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16. The event is supported by GameIndustry.biz as a media partner, ensuring extensive coverage of the sessions, panels, and networking opportunities that will define the summit.
Overall, Abrak’s participation underscores IO Interactive’s commitment to expanding the James Bond universe while navigating the complexities of licensing and market dynamics. Attendees can expect an in‑depth look at the creative process behind First Light, strategic insights into its commercial triumph, and a glimpse of what may lie ahead for the iconic spy franchise under the stewardship of IO Interactive and its partners.