The Game Business Show Split Fiction’s Josef Fares: “I would not be able to live without AAA titles”
Jan 13, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Josef Fares, game director and co-founder of Hazelight Studios, shares insights into his successful cooperative narrative games like A Way Out and It Takes Two, which have sold over 43 million copies. He emphasizes the importance of balancing creativity with business and fostering a supportive studio culture. Fares also discusses the roles of AI, the significance of both AA and AAA titles in the industry, and his dedication to maintaining Hazelight's unique co-op identity while pushing creative boundaries.
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Episode notes
Decisions Driven By Creative Truth
- Base every decision on what feels right for the game rather than raw sales data.
- Combine creative integrity with business responsibility to deliver great products.
Design Solutions For Player Friction
- Solve player friction with design features, not just pricing.
- Josef Fares created the Friends Pass so co-op partners wouldn't need to pay twice.
Permission To Fail Fuels Creativity
- A culture that encourages safe failure unlocks deeper creative work.
- Josef Fares says the studio's 'fuck shit up' mentality raises the bar for innovation.