In a recent series of interviews, Josef Fares, the renowned director behind hit games like Split Fiction and It Takes Two, has made headlines with his candid opinions on the gaming industry. Fares, known for his unfiltered and often controversial statements, has shared his thoughts on the rise of AA games, defended Electronic Arts (EA), and speculated on the role of AI in gaming’s future.
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Split Fiction, developed by Sandfall, made waves in 2025 as a breakout hit with a budget of less than $10 million. Fares, the boss of Hazelight Studios, expressed his hopes that the success of AA-style projects like Expedition 33 doesn’t overshadow the importance of AAA titles in the gaming landscape. He emphasized the need for a balance between smaller-scale games and blockbuster experiences, stating, “You can’t do GTA for $10 million. We need both.”
In a surprising turn of events, Fares also came to the defense of EA, a company notorious for its controversial practices and reputation. Despite EA’s past missteps, Fares acknowledged that “there’s not a publisher in the world that hasn’t f****d up now and then” and believed that EA receives more criticism than it deserves. This unexpected show of support for EA from a prominent figure in the industry has sparked discussions among gamers and industry insiders alike.
On the topic of AI in gaming, Fares expressed skepticism about the technology “taking over” but remained open to the possibilities it could bring in the future. Known for his forward-thinking approach to game design, Fares admitted, “who knows what happens in the future,” hinting at the potential for AI to play a significant role in shaping the gaming landscape.
Public reactions to Fares’ statements have been mixed, with some applauding his honesty and others questioning his views on the industry. Social media platforms like Mastodon have been abuzz with discussions about AA games, EA, and the future of AI in gaming, reflecting the diverse opinions within the gaming community.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Fares’ outspoken commentary serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play. Whether it’s advocating for a diverse range of game experiences, defending controversial publishers, or speculating on the impact of emerging technologies, Fares’ insights shed light on the multifaceted nature of the gaming landscape.
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References:
– Split Fiction Boss Hopes AA Games Don’t Take Over The Industry Completely: [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/split-fiction-boss-hopes-aa-games-dont-take-over-the-industry-completely/1100-6537349/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f]
– Split Fiction Director Defends EA, Saying “Everybody’s Done Something That’s Not Good”: [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/split-fiction-director-defends-ea-saying-everybodys-done-something-thats-not-good/1100-6537357/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f]
– Split Fiction and It Takes Two director Josef Fares doesn’t see AI “taking over”, but admits “who knows what happens in the future”: [https://www.eurogamer.net/split-fiction-and-it-takes-two-director-josef-fares-doesnt-see-ai-taking-over-but-admits-who-knows-what-happens-in-the-future]
– Social Media Excerpts: Mastodon #news [https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://metro.co.uk/2026/01/14/full-list-tgi-fridays-restaurants-closed-chain-collapsed-26285335/]
Social Commentary influenced the creation of this article.
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