Josef Fares rules out games as a service: "I don't even believe in them"

Josef Fares, founder of Hazelight Studios and creative mind behind A Way Out, It Takes Two, and now Split Fiction, made it clear that his team will never develop a games as a service. According to him, not even Electronic Arts, the distributor of his latest projects, could convince him to follow that model.

Fares: "This simply isn't for us"

During an interview, Fares was straightforward about his vision for the industry:

"We will not make games as a service. I don't even believe in them. I don't think that's the best path to take."

He argues that developers should focus more on passion and creativity, rather than just thinking about immediate financial return:

"I hope more creators follow their convictions. Ultimately, we clearly see that when you trust in your vision and stay true to it, you can still reach a huge audience. Hazelight is living proof of that."

Fares understands that publishers like EA have financial concerns and need to ensure return on investment, but he believes there is a limit to that mentality:

"I know publishers care a lot about money, but we are dealing with an art form. You need to respect creativity. Of course, you can't just ask for 100 million euros and say 'I'll do whatever I want,' there has to be balance."

The Hazelight studio has become a reference in the industry with its focus on cooperative narrative games and closed experiences, without the need for constant updates or aggressive monetization. It Takes Two, for example, has sold over 15 million copies and has won several awards, including The Game Awards Game of the Year in 2021.

Now, the team is working on Split Fiction, still with few details revealed, but following the DNA of Fares' previous projects.

With this, it is clear that, regardless of the direction of the industry, Hazelight does not intend to change its essence. For fans who enjoy well-crafted stories and immersive experiences, this is excellent news.