IO Interactive’s chief executive, Hakan Abrak, is set 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 role as CEO, Abrak also functions as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative facets of the project. During his talk, he will walk the audience through the development journey of the title, from its initial concept sketches to the final polishing stages that led to its record‑breaking launch.
First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date, moving more than four million units worldwide in just the first three months after release. The title’s rapid sales momentum has not only exceeded internal forecasts but also set a new benchmark for the studio’s future projects. While the game is already available on major platforms, a highly anticipated port for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release in late 2026, promising to bring the spy‑action experience to a broader audience. When asked about his participation in the conference, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm: "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light.
This project has been a dream for IO Interactive, and presenting its development journey feels like coming full circle." His remarks underscore the personal connection he feels to the James Bond franchise and the pride the studio takes in handling such an iconic property. Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed similar sentiments.
"As a massive James Bond fan, it’s an absolute honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive team to our event. I’m eager to hear the inside details of how the team managed to capture the essence of such a legendary character and translate it into an interactive experience that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike," Sefton said. Abrak will join a distinguished roster of industry veterans at New Horizons.
The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the opening keynote, as well as Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer of Landfall, who will discuss market trends. A notable panel titled "Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games" will feature AI specialist Tommy Thompson, Creative Assembly’s Duyguy Cakmak, and Matthias Siemonsmeier from Splash Damage, offering a balanced view on the realistic applications of artificial intelligence in modern game development.
Beyond the main stage, the conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Teddy Keefe, Business Development Director at Tencent, focusing on strategic partnerships and investment opportunities in the gaming sector. Another panel, "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment," will see insights from Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan of Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games, providing practical advice for indie developers navigating early‑stage financing. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance. "We haven’t fully recouped the development costs yet because of ongoing royalty agreements and partnership structures, but the results have already surpassed our most optimistic projections.
This title is shaping up to be a landmark achievement for IO Interactive, both financially and creatively," he explained. His comments highlight the complex revenue models that often accompany licensed properties, where royalties and shared profits can extend the break‑even timeline even as sales soar. Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in active dialogue with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond licensing rights. While concrete details are still being negotiated, Abrak hinted that discussions are moving beyond First Light to explore the broader future of the franchise under IO Interactive’s stewardship.
"We’re having ongoing conversations about the long‑term roadmap for Bond, and while First Light is the immediate focus, we anticipate deeper collaboration with Amazon in the coming years," he said. Game Republic’s New Horizons event is scheduled to take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, 2026. The three‑day summit aims to bring together developers, publishers, investors, and technology partners to explore the latest trends and opportunities shaping the gaming industry.
As a media partner, GameIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage of the conference, ensuring that insights from sessions like Abrak’s reach a global audience of industry professionals and enthusiasts. Attendees can expect a deep dive into the artistic direction, narrative design, and technical innovations that define 007 First Light.
Topics will likely cover the challenges of adapting a beloved cinematic spy series into an interactive format, the balance between fan service and original storytelling, and the technical hurdles of delivering high‑fidelity graphics on both current‑generation consoles and the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. Overall, Abrak’s participation underscores IO Interactive’s commitment to transparency and community engagement. By sharing the successes, setbacks, and lessons learned from First Light’s development, the studio not only celebrates its achievements but also contributes valuable knowledge to the broader game‑making ecosystem. The session promises to be a highlight of New Horizons, offering both inspiration and practical takeaways for anyone interested in the intersection of licensed IP, innovative game design, and commercial success.