IO Interactive’s chief executive officer, Hakan Abrak, is slated to lead a dedicated session on 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, granting him a unique perspective on both the creative and managerial aspects of the project.
During his talk, he will delve into the conception, design challenges, and technical innovations that shaped First Light, a title that has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date, moving over four million units within just three months of release. The game’s impressive sales trajectory has set a new benchmark for the studio, and its upcoming release on the Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for late 2026, is generating considerable anticipation among both Bond aficionados and the broader gaming community. Abrak expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "I’m thrilled to be part of Game Republic New Horizons and to share the story behind 007 First Light, a project that has long been a dream for our team." His remarks underscore the personal passion that fuels the development process, reflecting the studio’s commitment to delivering an authentic and immersive Bond experience.
Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed this sentiment, adding, "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 the behind‑the‑scenes details of how such an iconic character was brought to life by such a talented team." Sefton’s comments highlight the event’s focus on deep‑dive discussions that go beyond surface‑level marketing, aiming to provide attendees with genuine insight into the creative journey. Abrak’s appearance joins a star‑studded roster of industry veterans slated for New Horizons.
Among them is legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi, who will deliver the keynote address, and Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, who will share her expertise on market strategy. A particularly timely panel titled "Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games" will feature thought leaders such as Tommy Thompson (AI and Games), Duyguy Cakmak (Creative Assembly), and Matthias Siemonsmeier (Splash Damage), promising a balanced discussion on the realistic applications and limitations of artificial intelligence in interactive entertainment. The conference also dedicates space for investor‑focused sessions.
In the Investor Zone, a fireside chat will host Tencent’s business development director Teddy Keefe, providing a window into the strategic considerations of large‑scale publishing partners. 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, offering emerging developers practical advice on navigating early‑stage financing.
In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on First Light’s commercial performance, noting, "We haven’t fully recouped yet because of the partnership structure and royalty arrangements, but the results have already surpassed our loftiest expectations. By every metric, this is shaping up to be a record‑breaking success for us." His candid assessment underscores the complex financial ecosystems that modern game studios operate within, where revenue sharing and licensing fees can affect profitability even amid strong sales. Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in "ongoing conversations" with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond licence, regarding the broader future of the franchise. While the immediate focus is on supporting First Light and its post‑launch live‑service component, Abrak hinted that longer‑term collaborations are on the horizon: "Sooner or later we’ll be discussing future plans between Amazon and IOI, but for now our priority is First Light and the continued engagement of its community." Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, offering a three‑day platform for developers, publishers, investors, and media to converge.
The event’s partnership with GamesIndustry.biz as a media collaborator ensures extensive coverage and analysis of the sessions, including Abrak’s presentation on the Bond title. Overall, the inclusion of Hakan Abrak and the deep dive into 007 First Light exemplify New Horizons’ commitment to blending high‑profile announcements with substantive industry discourse.
Attendees can expect not only a celebration of a blockbuster game but also actionable insights into the business, technology, and creative processes that drive today’s most successful gaming experiences.