IO Interactive’s chief executive, 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 responsibilities as CEO, Abrak also functions as the game’s director, giving him a unique perspective on both the business and creative dimensions of the project.
During his talk, he will walk the audience through the conception, design challenges, and technical achievements that have defined the development journey of this high‑profile title. First Light has quickly become IO Interactive’s most successful launch to date, moving more than four million units within the first three months on the market. The rapid uptake reflects both the enduring popularity of the James Bond franchise and the studio’s reputation for delivering polished, narrative‑driven experiences.
While the initial release covered major platforms such as PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, the company has announced a forthcoming version for the next‑generation Nintendo Switch 2, slated for a late‑2026 release. This expansion demonstrates IO Interactive’s commitment to reaching a broad audience and adapting the game’s mechanics to the unique strengths of the handheld console. When asked about his participation at 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.
It’s been a dream project for our studio, and I can’t wait to discuss the creative decisions, the technical hurdles we overcame, and the ways we honored the iconic Bond legacy while introducing fresh gameplay elements." His remarks underscore the personal connection many developers feel when working on a property with such cultural weight. Jamie Sefton, the managing director of Game Republic, echoed this sentiment, noting his own long‑standing admiration for the Bond series. "Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive team to our conference.
I’m eager to hear how the brilliant 007 First Light came together and to learn about the talented crew’s process for bringing such an iconic character to life," he said. Sefton’s comments highlight the event’s focus on deep‑dive discussions that blend industry insight with fan passion. Abrak will join a distinguished roster of speakers at New Horizons.
The lineup includes legendary industry figure Ken Kutaragi, known as the "Father of PlayStation," as a keynote presenter. Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer of Landfall, will also share her expertise, while a panel titled "Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games" will feature Tommy Thompson (AI and Games), Duyguy Cakmak (Creative Assembly), and Matthias Siemonsmeier (Splash Damage). These sessions aim to provide a balanced view of emerging technologies without the usual marketing hype. The conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s business development director, Teddy Keefe, offering attendees a glimpse into the strategies of one of the world’s largest gaming investors.
Additionally, a panel called "Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment" will see Nick Button‑Brown (The Game Angels), Tracy McGarrigan (Ansible), and Ian Masters (Flick Games) discuss practical advice for indie developers seeking early‑stage funding. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the commercial performance of First Light.
"We haven’t fully recouped the investment yet because of partnership structures and royalty arrangements, but the results have already exceeded our most optimistic forecasts. This title is setting a massive new record for us, and by all measures it represents a significant success," he explained.
His comments illustrate the complex financial landscape of modern game publishing, where revenue sharing and licensing fees can extend the break‑even timeline even for best‑selling titles. IO Interactive also confirmed that discussions are ongoing with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond video‑game license. While concrete details remain under negotiation, Abrak hinted that future collaborations could expand beyond First Light to encompass broader franchise initiatives. "We’re still in the conversation phase with Amazon regarding the Bond IP’s long‑term roadmap.
For now, our focus remains on First Light and its post‑launch support, but we anticipate talking about future joint plans in due course," he said. Game Republic New Horizons will be held at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to October 16, 2026. The event promises a blend of high‑level industry discourse, practical workshops, and networking opportunities for developers, publishers, and investors alike. As a media partner, GamesIndustry.biz will provide extensive coverage, ensuring that the insights shared on stage reach a global audience of gaming professionals.
Overall, Abrak’s participation underscores IO Interactive’s strategic emphasis on transparent communication with both the gaming community and industry stakeholders. By offering an in‑depth look at the development process behind 007 First Light, the session aims to inspire other creators while reinforcing the studio’s reputation for delivering compelling, franchise‑respectful experiences.
Attendees can expect to leave with a richer understanding of how a beloved cinematic universe can be translated into an interactive medium, the business considerations that accompany such an endeavor, and a glimpse of what may lie ahead for the Bond video‑game franchise under the stewardship of IO Interactive and its partners.