Introduction to Josef Fares’ Stance
Josef Fares, the founder of Hazelight Studios, is known for his innovative approach to storytelling in video games, shown in titles like Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, A Way Out, and It Takes Two. Recently, he made his position clear regarding live service games, emphasizing that they will never be part of Hazelight’s future projects. This declaration surfaces amid Electronic Arts’ (EA) recent struggles with their own live service titles.
Rejecting EA’s Live Service Model
In light of EA’s comments on the need for games to feature shared-world mechanics, Fares reiterated that his vision for Hazelight does not align with such trends. Following the disappointing sales of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, EA’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, suggested that live service elements could provide greater player engagement. In contrast, Fares boldly stated in an interview with Eurogamer that Hazelight’s philosophy is centered on strong narratives rather than the ever-changing dynamics of live service models.
The Future of Hazelight Games
Fares’ perspective is not only about rejecting current industry pressures but also about maintaining creative integrity. He believes that the essence of gameplay should focus on storytelling and rich player experiences without being swayed by market trends. As Hazelight prepares for its upcoming title Split Fiction, fans can expect a game crafted with a traditional, narrative-driven focus, making it a unique offering in a market increasingly dominated by live service models.
