Josef Fares Commits to Keeping Hazelight Private
Josef Fares, the founder and CEO of Hazelight Studios, has made a definitive statement about the future of his company. He intends to keep Hazelight private and will not take it public. Fares articulated his stance in a recent interview with The Games Business, emphasizing the negative impact that stock market pressures have on creative endeavors in gaming.
Commitment to Independence
Fares emphasized that financial metrics such as stock prices would not dictate the development of their games. He stated, “I will never put Hazelight on the market.” His approach prioritizes creativity over financial gain, arguing that public pressure can lead to suboptimal decision-making.
The Friend Pass Initiative
One example of Hazelight’s creative approach is the introduction of the Friend Pass feature. This initiative allows two players to enjoy the game together online, even if only one of them owns it. Fares explained that he felt it was unjust for players to pay more to play online with friends.
- The Friend Pass promotes a communal gaming experience.
- It originated from a creative decision that benefitted sales.
Balancing Creativity and Business
Fares believes that every decision at Hazelight will be grounded in what serves the game best, not merely in response to sales data. “We’re not going through data thinking what will sell or not sell,” he remarked. Instead, the focus is on combining business considerations with creativity to achieve a well-rounded outcome.
Concerns About Mid-Tier Games
Fares raised concerns about the industry’s future trajectory, particularly regarding mid-tier games. He referenced the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 but stressed the need for diversity in gaming. According to him, the industry should not disregard AAA titles, which require significant investment to produce.
- He hopes publishers will not rely solely on successes like Expedition to define future trends.
- Fares noted the risk of diminishing returns from an overemphasis on mid-tier games.
Recent Success of Split Fiction
On a positive note, Hazelight’s latest title, Split Fiction, released in March 2025, has achieved remarkable success. In just 48 hours, the game sold over one million copies and reached two million units within its first week.
Fares’s commitment to keeping Hazelight private aligns with his vision for authentic and creative game development. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Hazelight aims to lead the charge in balancing creativity with business acumen.
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