Hazelight Studios founder and director Josef Fares has taken a strong stance against microtransactions, amongst other things, in a new interview outlining the studio’s approach and plans for the future. Speaking to MinnMax ahead of the launch of Split Fiction, Fares answered 127 rapid-fire questions in 14 minutes, delivering answers in his refreshingly honest style.
Fares has become known for this approach in recent years, with his frequent Game Awards appearances cementing his status as a notable, authoritative voice in the industry. While perhaps more opinionated than most, Fares’ stances on the challenges facing the games industry have always been fairly astute and reasonable.
In his latest statement, Fares has confirmed Hazelight Studios games will never include microtransactions, as the studio has a “no bullshit” approach. Fares has previously spoken out about microtransactions, and it remains a prickly topic in the games industry.
While many studios have implemented them to offset the increasing cost of game development, or as a means to increase company profits, they remain contentious – and implementing them without care is the quickest way to offside players.
Hazelight Studios founder Josef Fares on microtransactions
Going forward, Hazelight Studios will continue its mission to create compelling experiences without relying on players to boost gaps in profit. With the studio’s most recent release, It Takes Two, proving to be a blockbuster success, it’s likely Hazelight is in a strong position of never needing microtransactions, in any form. Plus, it makes their latest releases all the more appealing.
Read: It Takes Two is being adapted for film and TV via Sonic screenwriters
For those tired of being asked to pay for things like character and weapon skins, spray tags, nicknames, and other cosmetics, it’s a very refreshing stance, and one that should be reflected in more successful game studios. Realistically, it’s also a very good PR move for Hazelight that will no doubt earn the studio a few more admirers.
Elsewhere in conversation with MinnMax, Fares further endeared himself to his audience with a declaration that Hazelight will remain independent, and he has no desire to sell the studio. In that way, its future can be secured, with Fares and his cohort determining its direction.
For now, the studio will stick to its guns and continue creating great adventures. As mentioned in the interview, the studio maintains a steady headcount of around 80 people – a figure which represents only a slight increase since the success of It Takes Two. Given this game sold over 20 million copies, it does appear Hazelight remains sustainable, and that its future remains bright, with headstrong ideals guiding future developments.
We look forward to seeing what’s next, as the studio heads towards the launch of Split Fiction.
