Split Fiction Creative Director Says Net Game is Going to be Even Better

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Josef Fares, the creative director behind several popular cooperative games at Hazelight Studios, promises his next game will surpass even his hit title, Split Fiction. In an interview with The Game Business, Fares explained that Hazelight encourages developers to experiment and even ‘break things’ during development, without harming the overall game.

He stated he wasn’t familiar with the idea of pressure and felt very confident in their work. He confidently predicted their next game would be an improvement over Split Fiction. He believes they’re making good progress, noting that Hazelight is a well-regarded studio that inspires others. Surprisingly, he emphasized the importance of continuing to learn from mistakes, even using strong language to express that point.

Hazelight Studios, led by Josef Fares, embraces a bold approach to game development, openly encouraging experimentation and not being afraid to fail. Fares describes their philosophy as being willing to ‘mess things up’ and take risks, even with limited budgets. He believes this willingness to take chances is also key to the studio’s overall success and responsible management.

We believe in pushing boundaries and taking risks, even if it means making mistakes along the way. This willingness to experiment is crucial for innovation. If we’re too cautious or afraid to fail, it stifles creativity and isn’t good for progress. This approach will always be our priority, regardless of how much money we have.

Of course, we have a responsibility to deliver. People rely on income to cover their expenses, and we need to be accountable to those funding the project. That means hitting our goals, creating a fantastic game, and consistently performing at a high level.

Fares explained that the studio empowers developers by giving them complete creative freedom. He pointed out that many creative projects suffer because of self-imposed restrictions, often stemming from internal doubts or preconceived notions.

He explained that achieving goals is often harder than it seems because people tend to hold themselves back with self-imposed limitations. These limitations originate in their own thoughts. Once someone learns to ignore that inner voice, they can start to see real progress. The key is gently pushing past those boundaries – suggesting alternative approaches and encouraging experimentation. Eventually, this leads to a mindset where they realize there are no real limits. He believes everyone has incredible potential, not just for game development, but in all areas of life. The trick is to stop overthinking and simply trust your instincts.

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2026-01-14 15:11