Hakan Abrak
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007 First Light’s Switch 2 Edition Delayed Yet Again, Here’s How Long You Have To Wait
IO Interactive has announced a second delay for the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of 007 First Light, now scheduled for March 2027. The studio cited the need for additional time to polish performance and ensure the quality players expect. The game was previously slated for a Summer 2026 release.
007 First Light’s Nintendo Switch 2 Release Delayed to March 2027
IO Interactive has delayed the Nintendo Switch 2 version of 007 First Light from Summer 2026 to March 2027 to ensure a high-quality port. The studio cited the need for additional time to polish performance, despite positive feedback from demos. The game was originally released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on May 27th.
IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak to discuss development of 007 First Light at Game Republic New Horizons 2026
IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak will discuss the development of the James Bond title 007 First Light at Game Republic New Horizons 2026. The game has been IO Interactive's fastest-selling release, with over four million copies sold. Abrak expressed excitement about sharing insights into the creation of the game, which is slated for a late 2026 launch on Nintendo Switch 2.
IO Interactive announces new sales milestone for James Bond game 007 First Light
IO Interactive announced that its James Bond game, 007 First Light, has surpassed 4 million sales in less than three months. The developer thanked players for their support, with CEO Hakan Abrak previously reporting 2.7 million sales in the first week. The success of the self-published title strengthens the possibility of a sequel, though Amazon, the new owner of the James Bond IP, may seek more involvement.
007 First Light is Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on September 16th, Per Store Listings
A new store listing from Amazon Japan indicates that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of 007 First Light will be released on September 16th. IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak previously stated the port needed more time to ensure quality, aiming for a late summer release. The game, which launched on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on May 27th, puts players in the role of a young James Bond.
IO Interactive Shuts Down Istanbul Studio After Project Fantasy Deal With Xbox Falls Through
IO Interactive has announced the closure of its Istanbul studio and layoffs due to the collapse of a funding deal with an external partner for Project Fantasy. The studio has regained full ownership of Project Fantasy and plans to continue its development independently. This decision was made to ensure the long-term survival of IO Interactive as an independent AAA developer and publisher.
Fantasy meets reality: Why turmoil at Xbox is impacting IO Interactive and Project Fantasy
IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, is in turmoil after Xbox Game Studios Publishing reportedly pulled its funding. Despite this setback, IO Interactive remains committed to the project and is restructuring to continue development. This situation highlights the shifting priorities within Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma, impacting independent studios reliant on external partnerships.
Ahead of next week's expected Xbox bloodbath, IO Interactive loses funding for its online fantasy RPG
IO Interactive has lost external funding for its online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, leading to anticipated layoffs. Microsoft confirmed it was the partner that pulled funding as it re-evaluates its investments. This news comes shortly after the successful launch of 007 First Light, but casts a shadow over the future of Project Fantasy and potentially other studios working with Microsoft.
Io Interactive Laying Off Staff After Partner Withdraws from Project Fantasy
IO Interactive has announced layoffs following the withdrawal of funding for their new intellectual property, Project Fantasy, by an external partner, rumored to be Microsoft. Despite the setback, the company remains committed to the project's completion. This decision comes amid broader shifts within Xbox's business strategy under new leadership.
007 First Light For Switch 2 Is Apparently "Seeing Really Good Progress"
IO Interactive's Theuns Smit stated that the Nintendo Switch port of 007 First Light is making good progress, focusing on optimization. While no release date has been announced, the team is dedicated to ensuring the game meets desired quality standards for players. This follows previous comments from CEO Hakan Abrak about prioritizing a high-quality release for the platform.
IO Interactive says 007 First Light was 'always' supposed to be an origin story — 'We wanted to take that risk and introduce a fresh Bond for the gamers'
IO Interactive has confirmed that 007 First Light was always intended to be a young James Bond origin story, with game director Hakan Abrak emphasizing the team's desire to create a fresh Bond for gamers. Despite initial intimidation during pitches to Amazon MGM Studios, the developers secured creative freedom for their approach. The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version planned.
007: First Light sales hit 3M in less than two weeks
IO Interactive's latest game, 007: First Light, has achieved over 3 million sales in less than two weeks, making it the studio's fastest-selling title to date. CEO Hakan Abrak expressed confidence in the game's profitability, noting that sales have exceeded forecasts. The future of a potential sequel remains uncertain as Amazon, the rights holder for the 007 franchise, has alluded to IO Interactive potentially not returning.
IO Interactive Delighted About 007 First Light Performance, Explains Development Budget
IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak expressed delight over 007 First Light selling 3 million copies in its first week, exceeding expectations. He confirmed the game's reported $200 million budget includes development, marketing, and bonuses, though not solely the product cost. Future sequels will be published by Amazon Game Studios.
007 First Light Budget Was Not $200 Million, Exec Says As Game Passes 3 Million Sales
IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak stated that the James Bond game 007 First Light did not cost $200 million to develop, clarifying that the figure includes bonuses, marketing, and other expenses beyond the game's production cost. The game has surpassed 3 million sales and is tracking above internal forecasts. Abrak also discussed potential sequel involvement with Amazon and how future titles might see reduced development costs, referencing the Hitman series' budget reductions.
007 First Light has now sold over 3 million copies, exceeding expectations
IO Interactive announced that its James Bond game, 007 First Light, has surpassed 3 million copies sold worldwide, exceeding the company's initial expectations. The studio also confirmed that a version optimized for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will be released later this summer. CEO Hakan Abrak expressed his satisfaction with the game's commercial success.
007 First Light officially sells 2.7 million copies, "probably" at three million
IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak announced that 007 First Light has sold 2.7 million copies since its release, with sales likely surpassing three million. While the game has not yet recouped its budget, Abrak stated the total cost is significantly less than the previously reported $200 million. The studio is in ongoing discussions with Amazon about future collaborations beyond the first year of content for the game.
PS5's James Bond Game 007 First Light Has Already Sold More Than 3 Million Copies
IO Interactive announced that its James Bond game, 007 First Light, has sold over three million copies since its May 26th release, exceeding expectations and selling faster than any previous studio title. The game, which launched on PlayStation 5 and is planned for a Nintendo Switch release, has already achieved profitability despite a reported $200 million budget that includes marketing costs.
IO Interactive's James Bond game 007 First Light sells 2.7 million copies in its first week, as dev reiterates free Year One content
IO Interactive's James Bond game, 007 First Light, has sold 2.7 million copies in its first week, with sales approaching 3 million. Studio director Hakan Abrak also confirmed that most Year One content will be added to the game for free, with new missions and features planned post-launch.
Monster Hunter Ascendance is to Wilds what Iceborne was to Monster Hunter World, coming 2027
Capcom has revealed 'Ascendance,' the first major expansion for Monster Hunter Wilds, set to launch in 2027. This expansion is expected to follow the pattern of previous large-scale updates like Monster Hunter World: Iceborne and Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. Separately, IO Interactive announced that its game '007 First Light' has sold nearly 3 million copies in its first week, with much of its Year One content planned to be free for all owners.
007: First Light Sequel Could Include A Major Behind-The-Scenes Change
A potential sequel to the James Bond game 007: First Light, developed by IO Interactive, could see a significant behind-the-scenes change with Amazon Games taking a larger role. While IO Interactive self-funded the first game, Amazon's ownership of MGM means they will likely be involved in future installments. This shift comes as Amazon aims for greater synergy between its film and game divisions, as seen with the upcoming Tomb Raider TV show and game.
