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 Game Republic’s New Horizons conference in 2026. 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, Abrak will walk the audience through the developmental journey of 007 First Light, from its initial concept sketches to the final polishing stages that brought the iconic spy to life on screen. He will discuss how the team tackled the challenge of translating James Bond’s cinematic flair into interactive gameplay, the design decisions that shaped the game’s narrative arcs, and the technical innovations that enabled smooth performance across multiple platforms.
The title has already proven to be a commercial powerhouse for IO Interactive. Within just three months of release, more than four million copies have been sold, making it the company’s fastest‑selling product ever. This rapid uptake underscores the strong market appetite for well‑crafted Bond experiences and validates the studio’s strategic focus on high‑quality, story‑driven action games.
Looking ahead, the company has announced plans to bring First Light to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, with a launch window slated for late 2026. "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light, a project that has been a true labor of love for our studio," Abrak remarked in a recent interview. "From the earliest brainstorming sessions to the final QA passes, every step has been driven by a deep respect for the Bond legacy and a desire to give fans something fresh yet faithful." Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed this enthusiasm, noting his personal connection to the franchise.
"Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s an incredible honor to host Hakan and the IO Interactive crew at our event. I’m eager to hear the inside details of how such an iconic character was reimagined for modern gamers, and to learn about the creative process that made First Light such a standout title," he said. Abrak will join a roster of seasoned industry figures who are also speaking at New Horizons.
The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering the 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 from AI and Games, Duyguy Cakmak of Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier from Splash Damage, who will discuss realistic expectations for artificial intelligence in interactive entertainment. The conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, providing insights into the evolving relationship between large publishers and independent studios. Another panel, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will see Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games share strategies for early‑stage funding and navigating the challenges that follow. In a recent conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the financial performance of First Light.
"While we haven’t fully recouped all costs yet due to partnership structures and royalty arrangements, the results have already exceeded our most optimistic forecasts. This title is setting a new benchmark for us, and by every metric it’s a massive success," he explained.
The future of the James Bond franchise remains a topic of active discussion between IO Interactive and the license holder, Amazon. Although no concrete agreements have been announced, Abrak hinted that talks are ongoing. "We’re currently in dialogue about the long‑term direction of the Bond IP.
For now, our focus is on supporting First Light and its post‑launch roadmap, but we anticipate deeper collaboration with Amazon down the line," he said. Game Republic’s New Horizons event is scheduled to take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16, 2026. The conference aims to bring together developers, investors, and media partners to explore emerging trends, share best practices, and celebrate the achievements of the gaming community. GameIndustry.biz will serve as a media partner for the 2026 edition, providing coverage and analysis throughout the three‑day program.
Attendees can look forward to a blend of technical deep‑dives, business strategy sessions, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration across the industry. With Hakan Abrak’s session on 007 First Light, fans and professionals alike will gain a rare glimpse into the creative engine that powered one of the most successful Bond games to date, while also learning about the broader vision IO Interactive holds for the franchise’s next chapters.