Josef Fares

Josef Fares is a Swedish film director, screenwriter, actor, and highly regarded video game designer. He stands as the creative leader behind Hazelight Studios, a company he founded with a mission to bring unique, story-driven cooperative experiences to players everywhere. His distinctive approach to game development has earned him global recognition, particularly for titles that push the boundaries of interactive narrative. Today, he continues to shape the future of gaming, with fans eagerly anticipating each new project from his studio.

Known for his passionate and outspoken personality, Josef Fares has become a recognizable figure in the gaming world. He often champions the artistic integrity of games and the importance of innovative gameplay design. His work consistently resonates with players who appreciate deep storytelling and shared gaming experiences, cementing his studio's reputation as a pioneer in cooperative adventures. [edit]

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, on September 19, 1977, Josef Fares spent his early years in a country undergoing significant change. His family made a pivotal move to Sweden in 1987, eventually settling in Örebro. This relocation shaped much of his formative experience, exposing him to new cultural landscapes that would later influence his creative endeavors. Before he ever thought about video games, Josef started his creative journey in filmmaking.

He cut his teeth directing a series of Swedish comedies, showcasing a knack for sharp dialogue and engaging characters. Films like Kopps, released in 2003, established his reputation as a director with a unique voice and a talent for capturing human dynamics. These early cinematic projects honed his storytelling skills and taught him how to craft compelling narratives, laying a crucial foundation for his eventual transition into the world of video game development. The shift from film to games wasn't an immediate leap, but a gradual evolution driven by his desire to explore new mediums for interactive storytelling. [edit]

Josef Fares made a notable entry into the video game industry by directing Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons in 2013, a unique adventure game that garnered significant praise for its innovative co-op mechanics and emotional story. This success spurred him to establish Hazelight Studios, a company dedicated to creating cooperative, narrative-focused games. Under his leadership, Hazelight released A Way Out in 2018, a prison-break adventure designed exclusively for two players, further solidifying the studio's reputation for unique shared experiences.

His most acclaimed work to date arrived in 2021 with It Takes Two, a vibrant platformer that earned The Game Award for Game of the Year. This triumph cemented Hazelight Studios as a major player in the industry and showcased Josef's vision for deeply engaging, cooperative gameplay. Looking ahead, Josef revealed in March 2025 that Hazelight Studios had begun work on its next big project, currently known as Split Fiction. He has publicly stated that the studio's follow-up to Split Fiction is already in development and promises it will be even better, teasing it as potentially the "craziest game ever." He also confirmed in January 2026 that Hazelight would remain an independent studio, never going public, to maintain creative control over its ambitious AAA titles. [edit]

Josef Fares projects an image of an incredibly passionate and outspoken creator, a trait that has endeared him to many fans and media outlets. He is known for his direct communication style and his unwavering belief in his artistic vision, especially when it comes to the unique cooperative experiences Hazelight Studios creates. His public appearances often feature spirited defenses of game design and candid critiques of industry trends, making him a refreshing voice.

Fans connect with his genuine enthusiasm and his commitment to developing games that prioritize innovative gameplay and strong narratives. His social media presence, particularly on X and Instagram, reflects this persona, offering glimpses into his creative process and his characteristic humor. He cultivates a perception as a true advocate for the player experience, always pushing for games that offer something truly different and memorable. [edit]

The community surrounding Josef Fares operates less as a singular cult and more as a collection of players bound by the shared, often tearful triumphs of cooperative gameplay. Unlike music or sports icons who inspire organized tribes with specific monikers, Fares' audience identifies primarily through the titles they conquered together: *It Takes Two*, *A Way Out*, and *Split Fiction*. Fans gather on social platforms to share strategies, post screenshots of their in-game chemistry, and discuss the emotional arcs of his narratives, but no formal fandom name exists to unify them. There are no fan-funded billboards, no midnight lineups for new releases, and no documented rituals that elevate the director himself above the games he builds. The mythology here is professional rather than mythological; it revolves around his refusal to take Hazelight Studios public and his reputation as a demanding creative force who treats voice acting sessions like high-stakes roller coaster rides. This intense, independent spirit has cultivated a loyal following that values artistic integrity over corporate polish, yet the connection remains rooted in the interactive experience rather than the man behind the screen. While he engages directly with fans on X and Instagram, the relationship lacks the reciprocal political energy seen in pop culture phenomena. Despite this organic structure, his global footprint is undeniable. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, Josef Fares is currently the 22nd most famous person from Lebanon, a position he has held steady since the previous cycle.[edit]

Josef Fares is known for his incredibly energetic and passionate personality during interviews and public appearances, often making headlines with his candid remarks. He once famously declared "F*ck the Oscars!" at The Game Awards 2017 while discussing his game *A Way Out*, a moment that quickly went viral. His brother, Fares Fares, a well-known actor, has frequently collaborated with Josef, appearing in several of his films and lending his voice to characters in his video games. Josef Fares has publicly defended his publisher, EA, on several occasions, stating that the company receives more criticism than it truly deserves. He has explicitly vowed never to take Hazelight Studios public, cementing his reputation as a fiercely independent leader who prioritizes creative freedom over market expansion. Following the release of *Split Fiction*, he teased what he claims will be the "craziest game ever" from the studio, sparking speculation among fans about whether the next project might support three-player co-op based on set photos he posted. Industry peers and voice actors describe working with him as an intense "roller coaster ride," highlighting his ability to demand high performance while maintaining a vibrant, chaotic energy on set.[edit]

Josef Fares’s family history begins in Beirut, Lebanon, where he was born. His parents made the significant decision to move the family to Sweden in 1987, seeking new opportunities and a different environment for their children. He grew up alongside his brother, Fares Fares, who would later become a successful actor and a frequent collaborator on Josef's film and game projects. This close familial bond is evident in their professional partnership.

In a joyous personal update shared in 2026, Josef Fares announced that he had gotten married over a weekend, describing the occasion as "magical." While he kept details about his partner private, the announcement was met with warmth from his fans. He maintains a private home life, focusing on his creative work while valuing his family connections. [edit]

Josef Fares is closely associated with Hazelight Studios, the game development company he founded and leads. His brother, Fares Fares, an accomplished actor, frequently collaborates with Josef, appearing in several of his film projects and lending his voice to characters in his video games. This creative partnership has been a defining aspect of Josef's career, spanning both his filmmaking and game development work. [edit]

Josef Fares generally keeps his personal life private, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. However, he shared a significant personal milestone with his followers in 2026. He announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he had become a husband over a weekend, describing the event as "magical." While he chose not to reveal the identity of his partner or specific details about the ceremony, the news was met with widespread congratulations from fans and colleagues. This public declaration marked a new chapter in his personal life, indicating he is happily married as of 2026. [edit]

Josef Fares's net worth is estimated at $15 Million per iFANN's editorial analysis as of 2026, a figure driven primarily by his dual success as a pioneering video game designer and the owner of Hazelight Studios. A substantial portion of this wealth stems from the commercial dominance of his studio's critical hits, particularly *It Takes Two*, which secured Game of the Year honors in 2021 and generated significant revenue through sales and licensing. Earlier successes like *Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons* and *A Way Out* laid the financial foundation for his current standing. Beyond direct game sales, Fares earns income from his ongoing role as a creative lead, overseeing the development of upcoming projects such as *Split Fiction* and other titles in the pipeline. His commitment to innovative AAA experiences within Hazelight's independent structure suggests continued financial growth from future intellectual property releases. While his filmmaking career provides an additional, smaller stream of income, his primary economic engine remains the interactive entertainment sector where he continues to redefine cooperative storytelling.[edit]

Josef Fares has received significant recognition for his innovative work in video game development, most notably for his narrative-driven cooperative experiences. His greatest achievement to date is winning The Game Award for Game of the Year in 2021 for his critically acclaimed title, It Takes Two. This prestigious honor celebrated the game's unique blend of storytelling and groundbreaking co-op gameplay, marking a major milestone in his career. [edit]