Josef Fares, a Lebanese-Swedish film director and game developer, has an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2025. Born in 1977, Fares is currently 48 years old and has made a significant impact on both the film and gaming industries. His work is characterized by emotional storytelling, cooperative gameplay, and a cinematic approach that sets his creations apart. As the founder of Hazelight Studios, Fares has revolutionized interactive entertainment with titles like Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, A Way Out, and the Game of the Year-winning It Takes Two.
Who is Josef Fares?
Josef Fares is an Assyrian-Swedish creative powerhouse known for his work in both filmmaking and video game development. He was born in Beirut, Lebanon, during the civil war and later moved to Sweden as a child. His ability to blend narrative depth with interactive gameplay has made him one of the most innovative figures in the gaming industry today.
How Did His Early Life Shape His Career?
Fares’ childhood in war-torn Lebanon and subsequent immigration to Sweden significantly influenced his storytelling. Moving to Örebro at the age of 10, he faced cultural shifts that shaped his perspective on human relationships, struggle, and perseverance. These themes are evident in his works, where narratives often revolve around family bonds, overcoming adversity, and deep emotional connections.
What Was Josef Fares’ Career Before Gaming?
Before transitioning to game development, Fares had a successful career in filmmaking. His directorial debut, Jalla! Jalla! (2000), was a breakthrough hit in Sweden, blending humor and drama while exploring cultural identity. He followed this with Kopps (2003), an action-comedy that further cemented his reputation. Other notable films include Leo (2007) and Farsan (2010), showcasing his knack for storytelling that would later influence his approach to game narratives.
Why Did He Move From Filmmaking to Game Development?
Fares’ passion for storytelling led him to experiment with new mediums. In 2013, he made an unexpected yet groundbreaking move into video game development. Partnering with Starbreeze Studios, he directed Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, a puzzle-adventure game known for its unique control mechanics that required players to control two characters simultaneously. The game was critically acclaimed and won multiple awards, setting the stage for Fares’ transition into the gaming world full-time.
What Makes Hazelight Studios Unique?
Founded by Fares in 2014, Hazelight Studios focuses exclusively on cooperative gaming experiences. Unlike most developers who create games with single-player or online multiplayer modes, Hazelight prioritizes shared gameplay experiences that require communication and teamwork. This approach has led to the studio’s major successes, including A Way Out (2018) and It Takes Two (2021), both of which were built around split-screen cooperative play.
What Are Josef Fares’ Most Famous Games?
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013)
- A deeply emotional game where players control two brothers simultaneously to navigate puzzles and challenges.
- Praised for its unique control scheme and storytelling.
A Way Out (2018)
- A cooperative prison escape game that can only be played in two-player mode.
- Received positive reviews for its engaging narrative and dynamic gameplay sequences.
It Takes Two (2021)
- A game about a couple on the brink of divorce who must work together after being transformed into dolls.
- Won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021.
- Known for its ever-changing gameplay mechanics and emotional depth.
Why Is Josef Fares a Controversial Yet Respected Figure?
Fares is known for his passionate and outspoken personality. His most famous moment came at The Game Awards 2017 when he exclaimed, “F*** the Oscars!” in a viral speech that showcased his unfiltered enthusiasm for video games. While his bluntness has sparked controversy, it has also earned him respect for his authenticity and unwavering belief in games as an art form.
What Is His Impact on the Gaming Industry?
Fares has challenged traditional game design by prioritizing cooperative play and emotional storytelling. His work has inspired other developers to take creative risks, proving that deeply narrative-driven games can be commercially successful. Hazelight’s innovative mechanics and cinematic storytelling continue to influence modern game development.
What’s Next for Josef Fares and Hazelight Studios?
With the success of It Takes Two, Fares has hinted at bigger projects in the future. His studio is expected to continue pushing boundaries in cooperative gaming, with rumors of a new game in development that will further evolve the genre. Given his track record, the gaming world eagerly anticipates his next move.
Conclusion
Josef Fares has carved out a unique space in both the film and gaming industries. With a net worth of $20 million and a career that spans two creative fields, his influence is undeniable. Through Hazelight Studios, he has redefined cooperative gaming, proving that interactive storytelling can be as impactful as any film. As he continues to innovate, Fares remains a leading voice in the evolution of video games as an artistic medium.
