Josef Fares reveals film ambitions, Game Awards insights, and Hazelight Studios’ creative journey
Hazelight Studios’ Creative Journey
Hazelight Studios has consistently revolutionized cooperative gaming experiences over recent years, establishing themselves as masters of narrative-driven multiplayer adventures. Their groundbreaking approach began with 2018’s A Way Out, which immersed players in an emotionally charged prison escape narrative featuring two convicts. This innovative foundation paved the way for It Takes Two, their critically acclaimed follow-up that captured numerous industry awards and widespread player admiration.
The studio’s latest innovation, Split Fiction, introduces an inventive premise where two authors from different literary genres become transported into their own creations. Each writer’s universe manifests with distinct visual styles and gameplay mechanics, creating a dynamic interplay between fantasy and reality. This creative evolution demonstrates Hazelight’s commitment to pushing cooperative gaming boundaries while maintaining strong emotional storytelling.
Split Fiction has already generated significant Game of the Year buzz while simultaneously sparking renewed interest in Hazelight potentially developing single-player experiences. The gaming community continues to champion the studio’s unique approach to cooperative mechanics, with many players seeking similar emotionally resonant multiplayer adventures. For those looking to explore comparable experiences, understanding the evolution of cooperative game design provides valuable context for appreciating Hazelight’s contributions to the genre.
Hollywood Calling: Fares’ Film Ambitions
Despite his gaming success, Josef Fares has revealed ambitious plans to venture into filmmaking with an action comedy project currently in development. The director confirmed he has already drafted a comprehensive story synopsis and maintains serious intentions to bring this cinematic vision to life. However, Fares emphasized that gaming remains his primary creative focus, with any film production needing to carefully coordinate around Hazelight’s development schedule.
“I do have concrete plans to develop an action comedy film. I’ve prepared detailed story outlines and preliminary treatment documents. Should scheduling permit without conflicting with our game development priorities—since gaming absolutely takes precedence—I will definitely pursue this cinematic project,” Fares explained during his Fall Damage interview with Dexerto.
This revelation may surprise fans familiar with Fares’ notorious criticism of traditional award ceremonies, particularly his memorable commentary about the Oscars during The Game Awards. The apparent contradiction between his film ambitions and award show criticism highlights the complex relationship between gaming and film industries, suggesting Fares believes he can bring fresh perspective to cinematic storytelling while maintaining his critique of established industry institutions.
The Iconic Game Awards Moment
Fares provided fascinating context behind his now-legendary Game Awards outburst, explaining that the moment resulted from combination of jet lag, genuine excitement, and frustration with constant Oscar comparisons. The director had originally intended to discuss Hazelight’s innovative friend pass system but became swept up in the event’s energy and ongoing dialogue about the gaming industry’s relationship with traditional Hollywood awards.
“I planned to highlight our friend pass feature, but overwhelming excitement took over. The entire situation unfolded because, between the jet lag and persistent Oscar comparisons—constantly hearing ‘this is like the Oscars of video games’—I reached my limit. In that moment, surrounded by gaming’s brightest talents, my genuine sentiment was explicit: forget the Oscars,” Fares elaborated.
The aftermath revealed an interesting dynamic between Fares and Game Awards host Geoff Keighley, who initially appeared stressed by the unexpected deviation from script. However, Keighley quickly recognized the moment’s viral potential and genuine audience connection. “After the incident, Geoff—with whom I’ve since developed a strong friendship—checked his phone looking somewhat concerned, then remarked how much people genuinely appreciated my authentic reaction,” Fares recalled.
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Industry Perspectives and Future Directions
The gaming community’s continued calls for Hazelight to develop single-player experiences highlight interesting industry trends regarding narrative game design. While cooperative gameplay remains Hazelight’s signature, player demand for solo experiences suggests appetite for the studio’s storytelling approach across different gameplay formats. This mirrors broader industry patterns where successful multiplayer studios occasionally branch into single-player projects to expand their creative reach.
Fares’ journey from controversial Game Awards moment to respected industry voice demonstrates how authentic passion can resonate with gaming audiences. His willingness to speak candidly about industry issues, combined with consistent delivery of innovative gaming experiences, has established a unique position within game development circles. The director’s film ambitions further illustrate how gaming and cinema continue to influence each other creatively, despite institutional tensions between the industries.
For developers and creators, Fares’ approach offers valuable lessons in maintaining creative integrity while navigating industry expectations. His ability to balance groundbreaking game development with potential film projects showcases how modern creators can operate across multiple entertainment mediums without compromising their core vision or audience connection.
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