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, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative aspects of the title. During his talk, he will walk attendees through the design philosophy, technical hurdles, and narrative decisions that shaped the James Bond‑themed experience.
First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date. Within the first three months on the market, the game moved more than four million copies, a milestone that eclipses the company’s previous best‑selling titles. This rapid adoption reflects not only the enduring popularity of the James Bond franchise but also the studio’s ability to blend cinematic storytelling with engaging gameplay mechanics.
The title is slated for a release on the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 platform in late 2026, expanding its reach to a broader console audience. When asked about his upcoming appearance, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm: "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share insights about 007 First Light, a project that has been a dream for our team at IO Interactive." His remarks underscore the personal connection many developers feel when working on a property as iconic as James Bond, and they hint at the passion that drove the team to exceed their own expectations.
Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed this sentiment. "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our conference.
I’m eager to hear about the brilliant process behind 007 First Light and how the talented team managed to breathe new life into such a legendary character," he said. Sefton’s excitement highlights the event’s focus on deep‑dive sessions that explore both creative and technical achievements within the gaming industry.
Abrak will join a roster of seasoned veterans who are also speaking 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 and business strategies. A particularly timely 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 and limitations 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, focusing on global investment opportunities and strategic partnerships.
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 share practical advice for indie developers seeking early‑stage funding. In a recent interview 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 most optimistic forecasts. This project is shaping up to be a record‑breaking success for us, and by every metric it’s a massive win," he explained. His comments illustrate the complex financial landscape of modern game publishing, where revenue sharing and licensing deals can extend the timeline for profit realization. IO Interactive is also maintaining an open dialogue with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license.
While the company refrains from revealing specifics, Abrak hinted at future collaborations: "We’re in ongoing conversations with Amazon about the long‑term direction of the franchise. For now, our focus remains on First Light and its post‑launch support, but we anticipate discussing broader plans in the coming months." This statement suggests that additional Bond‑related projects could be on the horizon, potentially expanding the partnership beyond a single title.
Game Republic New Horizons will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16. The event promises a blend of high‑profile keynotes, technical deep‑dives, and networking opportunities for developers, investors, and media professionals.
As part of its media partnership, GameIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage, ensuring that insights from sessions like Abrak’s reach a global audience of industry stakeholders. Overall, Hakan Abrak’s participation underscores IO Interactive’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of narrative‑driven action games while navigating the intricate business realities of licensed properties. Attendees can expect to leave the session with a richer understanding of how a beloved cinematic universe can be translated into an interactive experience that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.