Josef Fares dropped truth bombs about gaming’s future. The Hazelight Studios director behind It Takes Two and Split Fiction warns that publishers obsessing over low-budget AA successes threaten AAA storytelling. After Split Fiction sold 4 million copies in two months, Fares questions whether anyone can deliver GTA-scale ambition on AA budgets.
Split Fiction shattered expectations, earning perfect scores and outselling many AAA blockbusters despite its co-op-only design. Fares credits creative freedom from EA Originals – no microtransactions, no loot boxes, just pure gameplay. Now Hazelight works on game five, with Fares claiming confidence bordering on arrogance about topping their previous hits.
Fares’ AA Games Warning
Recent AA breakout Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sparked Fares’ concern. Publishers now see $10-30M budgets delivering outsized returns versus $200M+ AAA behemoths. Fares argues:
- AAA scope requires AAA budgets
- AA success stories prove exception, not rule
- Narrative depth demands years of iteration
- Publisher risk-aversion kills innovation
“You can’t do GTA for $10 million,” Fares told The Game Business. Split Fiction’s doubled budget over It Takes Two still represents AA scale – Hazelight delivers AAA quality through laser-focused design.
Hazelight’s Perfect EA Partnership
Fares clarified Hazelight’s unique EA relationship. Unlike other studios pitching concepts, Hazelight declares “We’re doing this.” EA approves budget and publishes – zero creative interference.
- A Way Out (2018): 1M+ sales, proved Friend’s Pass model
- It Takes Two (2021): 23M sold, Game of the Year
- Split Fiction (2025): 4M in 2 months, perfect reviews
- Game 5 (TBA): “Better than Split Fiction” – Fares
Fares calls EA “more f**k than they deserve” – publishers villainized unfairly while respecting Hazelight’s process.
Split Fiction’s Massive Success
| Game | Release | Sales | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Way Out | 2018 | 1M+ | BAFTA nominee |
| It Takes Two | 2021 | 23M | Game of Year x3 |
| Split Fiction | 2025 | 4M (2 months) | 10/10 reviews |
Split Fiction’s sci-fi/fantasy dimension-hopping beat expectations. Friend’s Pass enabled viral spread – one purchase fuels two-player word-of-mouth. No battle passes, no seasons – complete experience upfront.
Next Hazelight Game Teased
Fares revealed minimal details but maximum confidence:
- Already in production
- Co-op DNA remains core
- Possibly single-player “Hazelight twist”
- “Better than Split Fiction”
- EA Originals partnership continues
Two Split Fiction players won studio visit for early next-game preview. Fares hosts speedrun champions sharkOvO and E1uM4y to test prototypes.
FAQs
Why does Fares worry about AA games?
Publishers see Clair Obscur’s success and assume all AAA can scale down. Fares argues massive open worlds, deep narratives require AAA investment. AA works for focused experiences, not industry replacement.
Is Hazelight doing single-player next?
Co-op defines studio DNA, but Fares doesn’t rule out single-player “Hazelight style.” Expect friendship mechanics regardless of player count.
How does EA not interfere with Hazelight?
Hazelight announces completed concepts. EA approves budget or declines. No design meetings, no feature requests – publisher respects process proven by 28M+ total sales.
Will Split Fiction get movie adaptation?
Fares skeptical despite Amazon interest. It Takes Two film with Dwayne Johnson stalled. Focus remains games – “Movies complicate everything.”
What’s Friend’s Pass?
One purchase enables online co-op with friend who owns nothing. Crossplay PS5/Xbox/PC. Viral growth model – doubles playerbase instantly.
Can Hazelight top Split Fiction?
Fares claims absolute confidence. Studio evolution shows polish progression: A Way Out rough edges → It Takes Two mastery → Split Fiction perfection → Game 5 “way better.”
Co-op Masterclass Continues
Josef Fares built blueprint for sustainable success – focused scope, zero monetization greed, pure creative expression. Split Fiction proves players reward complete experiences. AA obsession risks killing what made gaming special – emotional stories, mechanical innovation, shared memories.
Hazelight marches forward while industry chases trends. Fares delivers – EA cashes checks. Fifth game looms as potential masterpiece. Co-op remains king when done right.