IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak Sets Bond Presentation for New Horizons

IO Interactive chief executive Hakan Abrak is set to lead a dedicated session covering the development of the studio's upcoming James Bond title, 007 First Light, at the Game Republic New Horizons 2026 conference, according to GamesIndustry.biz.

The appearance will give industry delegates a closer look at the production pipeline for the licensed espionage project. The game represents IO Interactive's highest-profile external intellectual property adaptation following years of focusing almost exclusively on its flagship Hitman series.

## Expanding Studio Ambitions

Under Abrak's leadership, the Danish developer has expanded its footprint across multiple international hubs while shifting to an independent publishing model. Securing the rights to an original James Bond origin story marked a major escalation in the company's commercial ambitions.

The upcoming presentation at New Horizons is expected to explore the creative and technical hurdles of adapting one of entertainment's most strictly guarded franchises for modern gaming platforms.

## The Strategic Picture

Licensed video games based on legacy film properties continue to serve as high-risk, high-reward ventures for mid-sized independent studios. For IO Interactive, successfully launching 007 First Light will be a critical test of whether the studio can scale its signature stealth and simulation design philosophy to capture a broader mainstream gaming audience.