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 responsibilities, Abrak also serves as the game’s director, giving him a hands‑on perspective on the challenges and triumphs that shaped the James Bond title.
First Light has quickly become the studio’s most successful launch to date, moving more than four million units within its first three months on the market. The strong sales figures underscore the franchise’s broad appeal and the effective synergy between IO Interactive’s development expertise and the iconic spy brand.
A further milestone is on the horizon: the game is slated for a release on the next‑generation Nintendo Switch 2 platform, expected to hit shelves in late 2026. When asked about his participation, Abrak expressed genuine enthusiasm: "I’m thrilled to join Game Republic New Horizons and share the story behind 007 First Light, a project that has been a dream for our studio from the very beginning." His remarks highlight not only the personal passion that drives the team but also the strategic importance of the conference as a venue for industry dialogue. Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, echoed this sentiment, noting his own long‑standing admiration for the Bond franchise.
"Being a massive James Bond fan, it’s a huge honour to welcome Hakan and the IO Interactive crew to our event. 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," he said. Abrak will join a roster of seasoned professionals who are also presenting at New Horizons.
The lineup includes legendary PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi delivering the keynote address, Rebecca Lautner, Chief Business Officer at Landfall, and a forward‑looking panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games.” The AI discussion will feature Tommy Thompson from AI and Games, Duyguy Cakmak of Creative Assembly, and Matthias Siemonsmeier from Splash Damage, promising a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping development pipelines without the usual buzzword overload. Beyond the main stages, the conference’s Investor Zone will host a fireside chat with Tencent’s Business Development Director, Teddy Keefe, offering insights into the financial strategies of major publishers. 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 discuss the realities of early‑stage funding and how indie studios can navigate the often‑treacherous path to sustainable growth.
In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Abrak reflected on the commercial performance of First Light. "We haven’t fully recouped yet because of the partnership structure and royalty arrangements, but the results have already surpassed our most optimistic projections. This title is setting a new benchmark for us and, by every metric, represents a massive success," he explained.
His comments underline the nuanced financial model that underpins modern game publishing, where revenue sharing and long‑term licensing deals can extend the profit timeline beyond the initial sales surge. Looking ahead, IO Interactive remains in active dialogue with Amazon, the current holder of the James Bond license. While concrete details are still being hashed out, Abrak indicated that the conversations are focused on the future trajectory of the franchise, as well as the ongoing support and live‑service elements tied to First Light. "We’ll be discussing broader plans with Amazon in due course, but for now our attention is on expanding First Light’s live content and ensuring the community continues to receive fresh experiences," he said.
Game Republic New Horizons will be hosted at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from October 14 to 16, offering a three‑day platform for developers, investors, and media to converge. The event’s partnership with GamesIndustry.biz as a media partner further amplifies its reach within the global gaming community. Overall, Hakan Abrak’s participation promises to provide a comprehensive look at the creative process behind 007 First Light, from initial concept sketches to the final polishing stages, as well as strategic insights into licensing, distribution, and post‑launch support.
Attendees can expect a blend of storytelling, technical breakdowns, and business acumen that reflects the multifaceted nature of modern game development. The conference aims to foster knowledge sharing and inspire both established studios and emerging creators as they navigate the evolving landscape of interactive entertainment.