„It will not happen, I guarantee it.” Electronic Arts won’t be able to force Josef Fares into making a game-service

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Josef Fares, the founder of Hazelight studio known for the popular cooperative game It Takes Two, is certain – their studio will steer clear from developing a game-as-a-service. During an interview with Eurogamer, the developer firmly countered discussions sparked by comments made by Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts. Wilson later acknowledged that Dragon Age: The Veilguard might have had greater success if it had been launched as a game-as-a-service. However, Fares, who has collaborated with EA in distributing his games, does not concur with this viewpoint.

Passion and the right vision matter

Fares made it clear that a game from Hazelight will never follow the trend of games-as-a-service, which primarily benefits high-ranking officials. He also expressed his skepticism towards this model, believing it’s not the appropriate direction for game developers. As he put it, great games created with passion have a way of standing on their own.

It’s important for developers to follow their heart and convictions, as history shows us that by staying true to their vision, they can ultimately attract a large following. And just look at Hazelight as an example of this principle in action.

Fares emphasized that although publishers encounter financial difficulties, it’s crucial to find a harmony between artistic and commercial dimensions. He argued against focusing solely on the financial aspect, stating, “It can’t just be about finance.” He emphasized the importance of balance in this regard. From his previous comments, it is clear that he disapproves of games being overly influenced by market trends, while at the same time recognizing the creative nature of game development and its inherent value.

Previously, Fares stated unequivocally that he wouldn’t develop a game involving NFTs. To put it simply, he expressed a strong distaste for the idea, going as far as to say he’d rather injure himself than do so.

Hazelight and AI

Josef Fares, who is presently developing another cooperative game titled Split Fiction, expressed his views on the escalating influence of artificial intelligence within the gaming sector (through VGC). In essence, he believes AI has the capacity to alter the world “even more profoundly than the Internet,” but he advises a cautious stance towards its adoption. He stated: “If [AI] is integrated into our industry, we need to explore how best to use it to enhance our games.” However, Fares acknowledges the valid concerns regarding AI’s impact on employment. “I comprehend that some people may lose their jobs due to this technology,” he continued, “but that’s true for every emerging technology.

He mentioned that, as of now, there seems to be no need or opportunity for AI integration within Hazelight’s projects.

Split Fiction is bit harder than It Takes Two

As a gamer eagerly anticipating Split Fiction, I can confirm that Josef Fares has shared some exciting news. This upcoming title promises to be more challenging than his previous masterpiece, It Takes Two. While it’s expected to draw in many casual gamers, the developer is clear about not altering the gameplay solely to meet their expectations. Instead, he wants the games to be about pushing boundaries and following the storyline, offering a balance between challenge and accessibility.

Just like It Takes Two, Split Fiction will emphasize cooperation, meaning you can invite a friend to join the adventure without having to purchase two copies of the game. So, get ready for another unforgettable cooperative experience!

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2025-02-14 14:02