Josef Fares: Gaming's Bold and Unapologetic Visionary
It’d be easy to throw some shade at Josef Fares. The director behind A Way Out, It Takes Two, and now Split Fiction is one of the most loud and proud figures in the gaming industry. But honestly, his confidence and passion are part of what makes his games stand out. His boldness is reflected in every creative decision, pushing boundaries and ensuring that every game he touches feels fresh and exciting. If you’re looking to experience that same energy, buy Xbox games and get ready for something unforgettable! He’s always hyped about his next project and never short on comebacks, and while he might not share the same vibe as Randy Pitchford or other funny game devs, there’s one key difference: every single one of his games slaps, and Split Fiction might just be his best work yet. In Hazelight Studios’ latest game, the plot throws two young women with almost nothing in common into a wild cooperative adventure where they can’t escape without truly understanding and helping each other out. Mio and Zoe are two aspiring writers trying to get their first book published, and publisher Rader seems to have finally given them the shot they’ve been waiting for. The story kicks off when the two meet in the company elevator, and we get a glimpse into their personalities. Mio’s all about sci-fi, but not exactly a people person; Zoe’s more outgoing and totally into fantasy.
The Wild Experiment That Kicks Off Split Fiction's Adventure
After a brief convo that’s interrupted by Mio’s dislike, the two of them get thrown into a wild experiment where all the young writers are placed in suspension pods and seem to fall into a deep sleep. Mio tries to break free, but she ends up in the same pod as Zoe – and that’s when things start to get wild. If you’re intrigued by this wild mix of sci-fi and fantasy, you might want to buy PS5 games that blend immersive storytelling with unexpected twists and high-stakes action. The experiment, run by Rader, aims to steal the ideas from these young writers, so they’re placed into virtual versions of the worlds they’ve created in their heads. Mio and Zoe, sharing the same pod, manage to "break" the system, and that’s when they realize they can switch between each other’s universes. Science fiction and fantasy collide in a story that takes what was already amazing in It Takes Two and ramps it up. The game keeps things fresh with constant new mechanics that always shake up the gameplay, and Josef Fares wasn’t kidding when he said he had some wild ideas to show off. From more chill moments, like playing sidescroller or shooting games, to complex puzzles that need perfect timing and teamwork, Split Fiction is always keeping players on their toes. But honestly, that’s not even the only thing that makes the game stand out.
Josef Fares' Commitment to Depth in Split Fiction
Simply throwing in new mechanics doesn’t automatically make a game standout, and recent examples like The Valiant Squire have shown that. Despite hyping up fans with its trailers, it ended up falling short for some people because it lacked the depth they were expecting. But Josef Fares doesn’t take that gamble. He delivers an experience that just gets more intense as the 20-hour campaign unfolds. This fast-paced vibe is driven by the urgency of the plot, which keeps throwing hostile situations at you every few minutes. The chemistry between Mio and Zoe is on point, and their evolving friendship makes everything more emotional. Add in the insanely creative visuals and an epic soundtrack, and it only cranks up the intensity. And if that wasn’t enough, the game messes with players’ minds even further by introducing Side Stories—kind of like side quests you can find by paying close attention to your surroundings. These bring in even more wild ideas, like turning the protagonists into little pigs, making the whole experience feel even more unique and charming. All these little elements connect to create a bigger picture of friendship and overcoming struggles. When you talk about an author’s creativity, it’s impossible not to bring up their past, their struggles, and everything that’s shaped them, and that’s true for both Josef Fares and the characters Mio and Zoe. The director is open about how much of himself he pours into his work, and this time, he uses avatars named after his daughters to explore his own creative journey. He talks about how to take painful experiences and transform them into something beautiful.
A Thrilling Final Sequence and Impressive Character Movement in Split Fiction
The final sequence of the game takes everything to a whole new level, but it’s best not to spoil too much so that everyone can experience it for themselves. One last thing that deserves praise is the movement of the characters, which is probably one of the most underrated aspects of Hazelight’s games. The responsiveness of the controls and the animations for each character are spot-on, improving on what It Takes Two already nailed, while making the most of this flexibility in even more creative scenarios. At the end of the day, Split Fiction’s co-op gameplay is its standout feature. Sure, communicating and syncing up with a friend to get to the next level is fun, but the real magic comes from having someone there to hype with you about what’s happening on-screen. The social aspect, filled with good-natured competition and playful trash talk, is what’s going to make this game stick in players’ minds for a long time. Josef Fares' biggest project to date cements him as one of the industry’s top developers to watch. After winning GOTY in 2021, the Swedish-Lebanese director has absolutely outdone himself with a project that shows just how much he’s grown as a creative force. Split Fiction might not rack up the same awards as its predecessor, but it’ll definitely be one of 2025’s favorite games for a lot of people.