Split Fiction’s Josef Fares Says Publishers Should “Really Trust The Developer”

by

Game developer Josef Fares is known for being outspoken, and he’s continuing that theme in a new interview. Speaking to the BBC, Fares said publishers need to “step up and really trust the developer.” But at the same time, Fares said developers themselves have to “have a clear vision and stick with what they believe in.”

Fares admitted that what he says might not apply to everyone. After all, he runs his own studio, Hazelight, and his company is independently owned. “I am a –what do you say?–a different breed,” he said.

/videos/split-fiction-review/2300-6465743/

When I helmed my debut project, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons in 2013, initial playtests suggested that the game was “awfully bad.” But, I remained steadfast and countered, “They’re off base; they’ve got it all wrong because I know it’s amazing.

Fares emphasizes that if a developer truly feels enthusiastic and inspired while creating something, then others are likely to feel the same way.

He stated, “I won’t assume everyone will share my level of self-assurance, however, that’s just my nature. We are committed to our vision and convictions. Follow the vision, stay dedicated.

After making Brothers will Starbreeze, Fares started Hazelight and has released three more games, including A Way Out (2018), It Takes Two (2021), and Split Fiction (2025). They’re all co-op-only games, and this has become the calling card of Hazelight. Split Fiction is apparently off to a good start, having sold 2 million copies in a week and receiving rave reviews, including a 10/10 from TopMob.

Read More

2025-03-17 17:03