Josef Fares: The Passionate Visionary Behind Hazelight Studios
Josef Fares is a man of unbridled energy, creativity, and passion, standing out in an industry often dominated by monotony and corporate jargon. His office, nestled in a modern building near Stockholm’s picturesque Riddarfjarden Bay, reflects his eclectic personality. A frosted glass wall etched with characters from his game It Takes Two sits alongside a display case housing Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves, symbols of his admiration for boldness and authenticity. Fares is a man who speaks his mind, whether it’s at the glitzy Game Awards, where he famously swore at the Oscars, or during introspective conversations about his life and work. This boldness, combined with his love for storytelling and cooperative gaming, has made him a transformative figure in the video game industry.
From Film to Games: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
Fares’s artistic journey began in film, not games. Born in Beirut during the Lebanese civil war, he found solace in creativity. His autobiographical coming-of-age film Zozo, which depicted the horrors of war through the eyes of a child, was Sweden’s entry for Best International Feature at the Oscars in 2006. Yet, it was video games that truly captured his heart. Growing up, he was enchanted by Pong on the Atari 2600 and fell deeply in love with gaming after experiencing Super Mario Bros. in 1988. By 2009, his passion for games led him to create a demo with a group of students, sparking the concept for his breakout game, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. This marked the beginning of his transition from film to gaming, a medium he describes as something he “can’t quit.”
Hazelight Studios and the Rise of Cooperative Gaming
Fares’s dedication to gaming led to the formation of Hazelight Studios, which quickly made a name for itself with innovative cooperative experiences. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013) became a cornerstone of the indie game revolution, showcasing the power of shared storytelling. This was followed by A Way Out (2018), a prison-escape adventure, and It Takes Two (2021), which sold nearly 23 million copies and solidified Fares’s reputation as a visionary designer. Hazelight’s latest game, Split Fiction, continues this legacy with its fast-paced, genre-blending narrative and heartfelt focus on friendship. Fares’s ability to blend humor, emotion, and gameplay has resonated with audiences, proving that communal gaming experiences still hold a special place in an era dominated by online multiplayer.
The Creative Vision Behind Split Fiction
Split Fiction is Hazelight’s most ambitious project yet, a sci-fi fantasy adventure that blends action, humor, and heartfelt moments. The game follows two writers, Mio and Zoe (named after Fares’s children), as they travel through surreal landscapes, solving challenges and navigating their complicated relationship. Fares describes the game as a celebration of friendship, with each chapter designed to explore the tension and trust between two players. The game is filled with nods to pop culture, from Dune and The Lord of the Rings to Crash Bandicoot and Mario Kart. In one memorable sequence, players control a flying pig that propels itself with flatulence, a quirky touch that reflects Fares’s playful sense of humor.
A Life Shaped by Adversity and Creativity
Fares’s creativity is deeply rooted in his life experiences. Growing up during the Lebanese civil war, he witnessed unimaginable violence and loss, which shaped his resilience and self-assurance. His parents’ perseverance in immigrating to Sweden after five failed attempts gave him a foundation of strength. These early hardships influenced his work, from the emotional burial scene in Brothers to the themes of survival and unity in his games. Fares’s films, such as Zozo, also reflected his childhood trauma, including the heartbreaking loss of a pet chicken that became a symbol of comfort and loss. His ability to weave personal stories into his games has created a unique emotional depth that resonates with players worldwide.
Family, Legacy, and the Future of Hazelight
At the heart of Fares’s work is a deep appreciation for family and friendship. His games are designed to be played cooperatively, fostering connection between players. This approach reflects his belief that gaming should bring people together, not isolate them. Fares’s children, Mio and Zoe, are not only the namesakes of Split Fiction’s characters but also a constant source of inspiration. Balancing his role as a father and a game designer, Fares is already looking to the future, hinting at a possible return to filmmaking if time allows. For now, Split Fiction stands as a testament to his vision, blending action, humor, and heart in a way that only Fares can. With Hazelight Studios, he continues to redefine what games can be, proving that interactive storytelling has the power to touch hearts and minds in ways few other mediums can.
