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A Positive Partnership: Josef Fares and EA
Josef Fares, director of the newly released co-op game Split Fiction, has publicly praised his collaboration with Electronic Arts (EA), stating that the relationship is both respectful and supportive. While EA often faces criticism from gamers and developers alike for its management style and business decisions, Fares insists his experience has been markedly different. Despite the negative perception surrounding EA, which has twice been labeled the 'Worst Company in America' by The Consumerist, Fares reports a very positive working environment.
The Success of Split Fiction
Fares attributes much of his studio's success to this strong working relationship. Split Fiction launched to critical acclaim, selling over two million copies in its first week and receiving a high score of 10/10 from GameSpot. Such impressive numbers are crucial for a studio like Hazelight, especially as they look forward to future projects. Fares emphasized the importance of their creative freedom, noting that EA does not interfere with Hazelight’s vision. “They have zero to say about what we are doing next,” he elaborated, highlighting an uncommon aspect of their publisher-developer dynamic.
The Future of Hazelight Studios
As wonderful as it is to celebrate current successes, Fares is already gearing up for the next venture. He expressed excitement about the new ideas starting to take shape within Hazelight. “We already have started,” he confirmed, though he refrained from revealing details. This signifies a culture of forward-thinking and ambition at Hazelight that seems to arise from its experienced team and the ket support from EA. Fares believes strongly in continuous improvement, proclaiming that their momentum feels exhilarating: “Just wait until [you see] what we do next.”
Changing Perceptions: Why EA Deserves a Second Look
When Fares refers to his relationship with EA as fundamentally different from the frustrations shared by many other developers, it's worth examining why. It is not just one developer echoing positive sentiments; it reflects a broader need for industry conversations to evolve around experienced partnerships versus stereotypes. Past grievances against EA often stemmed from aggressive monetization practices and a perceived lack of respect for player communities. Still, Hazelight’s experience highlights that collaboration can yield fantastic results when respect and openness are central to the working relationship.
From the Innovators' Toolbox: What This Means for Gamers
For gamers, understanding the dynamics between developers and publishers can often feel hidden behind layers of marketing and public relations. Fares's comments shed light on the sometimes-opaque realities of game development. When studios like Hazelight find a partner who truly fuels their creativity rather than limits it, fans may enjoy an even broader range of innovative titles. The melding of creative visions and adequate resources can lead to groundbreaking experiences, such as the beloved co-op adventures that characterize Hazelight’s oeuvre.
Your Opportunity to Engage with the Future of Gaming
This dialogue invites gamers to consider their relationships with the companies behind the products they love. What potential lies in a renewed respect for the partnerships that build our favorite experiences? Keeping the focus on quality and creativity may attract more studios to seek supportive environments similar to Hazelight’s with EA. Your engagement matters—support the developers who share their creative journeys with transparency and enthusiasm.
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