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Brief
Known For
Film direction and video game design, particularly known for cooperative narrative-driven games like 'A Way Out' and 'It Takes Two'. Also known for his passionate and sometimes controversial appearances at The Game Awards.
Key Dates and Places
  • Born Date: 19 September 1977.
  • Born Place: Beirut, Lebanon.
Career
  • Current occupation: Film Director, Video Game Designer.
  • Current Place of Work: Hazelight Studios (founder).
  • Previous Place of Work: Film industry (various productions).
Achievements and Recognition
  • Awards: BAFTA Games Award for Multiplayer (It Takes Two), The Game Award for Game of the Year (It Takes Two), Game Developers Choice Awards - Game of the Year (It Takes Two), DICE Award for Game of the Year (It Takes Two). Several awards for his films in Sweden prior to game development, exact list needs further research.
Main Milestones
Birth in Beirut, Lebanon
September 19, 1977
Josef Fares was born in Beirut, Lebanon, into an Assyrian family. His early life was marked by the backdrop of civil war, an experience that would later inform his storytelling and artistic perspective. This formative period instilled in him a deep appreciation for family, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships.
Immigration to Sweden
1987
At the age of 10, Josef and his family fled the Lebanese Civil War and immigrated to Sweden. This significant relocation marked a turning point in his life, exposing him to a new culture and opportunities while also requiring adaptation and integration into a foreign society. Sweden provided a stable environment for him to pursue his creative interests.
Rise as a Film Director
Early 2000s
Fares gained recognition as a film director in Sweden. He wrote and directed several successful films, including 'Jalla! Jalla!' (2000), 'Kopps' (2003), and 'Zozo' (2005). These films showcased his comedic timing, heartfelt character development, and ability to explore serious themes with a light touch, establishing him as a promising talent in the Swedish film industry.
Directing 'Leo'
2007
Josef directed the film 'Leo,' which further cemented his reputation as a skilled filmmaker. The film explores themes of identity and belonging through the story of a young man struggling to find his place in society. This project demonstrated Fares' ability to tackle complex narratives with nuance and sensitivity.
Founding Hazelight Studios
2013
Fares founded Hazelight Studios, marking his official transition into video game development. This independent game development studio was established with a vision to create narrative-driven, co-operative gaming experiences that push the boundaries of interactive storytelling and gameplay mechanics.
Release of 'Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons'
2014
Hazelight's first game, 'Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons,' was released to critical acclaim. Its innovative control scheme, where each analog stick controlled a different brother, created a unique and emotionally resonant co-operative experience even in single-player. The game garnered numerous awards and solidified Fares' reputation as a visionary game director.
The Game Awards Outburst
2017
At The Game Awards 2017, while presenting an award, Josef Fares delivered a memorable and uncensored speech, passionately expressing his views on the gaming industry and EA's loot box controversy. His outspoken nature and genuine enthusiasm resonated with many gamers and further amplified his profile.
Release of 'A Way Out'
2018
Hazelight Studios released 'A Way Out,' a strictly co-operative action-adventure game focused on two convicts escaping prison. It required two players to work together and cemented Fares' dedication to cooperative gaming. The game was a commercial success and won several awards, reinforcing the studio's unique approach to storytelling and game design.
Release of 'It Takes Two'
2021
Hazelight Studios released 'It Takes Two,' a critically acclaimed co-op adventure game that follows a married couple undergoing a divorce. Praised for its innovative gameplay, heartwarming story, and focus on cooperation, 'It Takes Two' won numerous Game of the Year awards and became a commercial success, solidifying Fares' status as a leading figure in the video game industry.
Continued Innovation in Game Development
Present
Josef Fares continues to lead Hazelight Studios, pushing the boundaries of cooperative gameplay and narrative-driven experiences in video games. He remains committed to creating unique and emotionally engaging interactive stories that resonate with players around the world.
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Lebanese-Swedish film director and screenwriter

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Main milestones

Birth in Beirut, Lebanon
September 19, 1977
Josef Fares was born in Beirut, Lebanon, into an Assyrian family. His early life was marked by the backdrop of civil war, an experience that would later inform his storytelling and artistic perspective. This formative period instilled in him a deep appreciation for family, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships.
Immigration to Sweden
1987
At the age of 10, Josef and his family fled the Lebanese Civil War and immigrated to Sweden. This significant relocation marked a turning point in his life, exposing him to a new culture and opportunities while also requiring adaptation and integration into a foreign society. Sweden provided a stable environment for him to pursue his creative interests.
Rise as a Film Director
Early 2000s
Fares gained recognition as a film director in Sweden. He wrote and directed several successful films, including 'Jalla! Jalla!' (2000), 'Kopps' (2003), and 'Zozo' (2005). These films showcased his comedic timing, heartfelt character development, and ability to explore serious themes with a light touch, establishing him as a promising talent in the Swedish film industry.
Directing 'Leo'
2007
Josef directed the film 'Leo,' which further cemented his reputation as a skilled filmmaker. The film explores themes of identity and belonging through the story of a young man struggling to find his place in society. This project demonstrated Fares' ability to tackle complex narratives with nuance and sensitivity.
Founding Hazelight Studios
2013
Fares founded Hazelight Studios, marking his official transition into video game development. This independent game development studio was established with a vision to create narrative-driven, co-operative gaming experiences that push the boundaries of interactive storytelling and gameplay mechanics.
Release of 'Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons'
2014
Hazelight's first game, 'Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons,' was released to critical acclaim. Its innovative control scheme, where each analog stick controlled a different brother, created a unique and emotionally resonant co-operative experience even in single-player. The game garnered numerous awards and solidified Fares' reputation as a visionary game director.
The Game Awards Outburst
2017
At The Game Awards 2017, while presenting an award, Josef Fares delivered a memorable and uncensored speech, passionately expressing his views on the gaming industry and EA's loot box controversy. His outspoken nature and genuine enthusiasm resonated with many gamers and further amplified his profile.
Release of 'A Way Out'
2018
Hazelight Studios released 'A Way Out,' a strictly co-operative action-adventure game focused on two convicts escaping prison. It required two players to work together and cemented Fares' dedication to cooperative gaming. The game was a commercial success and won several awards, reinforcing the studio's unique approach to storytelling and game design.
Release of 'It Takes Two'
2021
Hazelight Studios released 'It Takes Two,' a critically acclaimed co-op adventure game that follows a married couple undergoing a divorce. Praised for its innovative gameplay, heartwarming story, and focus on cooperation, 'It Takes Two' won numerous Game of the Year awards and became a commercial success, solidifying Fares' status as a leading figure in the video game industry.
Continued Innovation in Game Development
Present
Josef Fares continues to lead Hazelight Studios, pushing the boundaries of cooperative gameplay and narrative-driven experiences in video games. He remains committed to creating unique and emotionally engaging interactive stories that resonate with players around the world.

Early Life and Immigration to Sweden

Birth in Beirut, Lebanon
September 19, 1977
Josef Fares is born in Beirut, Lebanon, into an Assyrian family. This culturally rich and politically turbulent environment would later influence his storytelling and artistic perspectives.
Escaping the Lebanese Civil War
Late 1970s/Early 1980s
Amidst the escalating Lebanese Civil War, Josef and his family flee Lebanon seeking refuge. This experience of displacement and conflict profoundly impacts his worldview.
Immigration to Sweden
1987
The Fares family settles in Sweden, providing Josef with a safe and stable environment. This transition to a new culture presents both challenges and opportunities for him to adapt and integrate.
Discovering Film and Video Games
Childhood in Sweden
Growing up in Sweden, Josef develops a passion for cinema and video games. He begins experimenting with filmmaking at a young age, fueled by his creative imagination.

Hazelight Studios' Game Development

"Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons"
2013
Hazelight Studios releases "Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons", a critically acclaimed adventure game where players control two brothers simultaneously. This establishes Fares' commitment to innovative co-op gameplay and emotionally resonant storytelling.
"A Way Out"
2018
Hazelight Studios releases "A Way Out", a co-op-only action-adventure game where players control two convicts escaping from prison. The game's unique split-screen gameplay and emphasis on collaboration make it a standout title.
"It Takes Two"
2021
Hazelight Studios releases "It Takes Two", a co-op-only adventure platformer where players control a couple going through a divorce. The game's imaginative world, varied gameplay mechanics, and focus on relationship dynamics earn it widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards.
Future Projects
Present
Hazelight Studios continues to develop new video games, with Josef Fares at the helm. The studio is expected to maintain its focus on innovative co-op experiences and emotionally driven narratives.

Assyrian Heritage and Cultural Identity

Growing up in the Assyrian Community of Beirut
Childhood in Lebanon
Josef Fares' early years in Beirut exposed him to the rich culture and traditions of the Assyrian community. This formative experience instilled in him a strong sense of identity and belonging.
Navigating Identity as a Refugee and Immigrant
Experiences of Displacement and Identity
Fares' family's displacement from Lebanon and subsequent immigration to Sweden presented challenges in maintaining his Assyrian identity while adapting to new cultural contexts. This experience shaped his understanding of cultural identity and the complexities of belonging.
Exploring Cultural Themes in Films and Games
Themes of Identity and Belonging
Fares' films and games often touch upon themes of cultural identity, displacement, and the search for belonging. These themes reflect his personal experiences and his desire to explore the complexities of cultural identity in his creative work.
Sharing Assyrian Culture through Storytelling
Representation of Assyrian Culture
While not always explicit, Fares' work subtly incorporates elements of Assyrian culture and history. His storytelling serves as a way to share his heritage with a wider audience and to promote understanding and appreciation of Assyrian culture.

Critical Reception and Awards

Swedish Film Awards and Recognition
Early 2000s
Josef Fares receives numerous awards and nominations for his early films, including "Jalla! Jalla!" and "Kopps", solidifying his reputation as a talented filmmaker in Sweden.
"Zozo" Submissions
2005
"Zozo" is Sweden's submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards, showcasing the international recognition of his cinematic work. It was nominated for various prizes, including the Nordic Council Film Prize.
"Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons" Awards
2013
"Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons" receives widespread critical acclaim and wins numerous awards, including BAFTA Game Award for Innovation.
"A Way Out" Recognition
2018
"A Way Out" is nominated for several awards and praised for its innovative co-op gameplay and storytelling.
"It Takes Two" Game of the Year
2021
"It Takes Two" wins Game of the Year at The Game Awards and numerous other awards, cementing Josef Fares' status as a leading figure in the video game industry.

Personal Life and Family

Family's Impact on Storytelling
Family Influence
Fares' experiences as a refugee and his family's cultural background have profoundly influenced his storytelling and thematic explorations in both film and video games.
Brother's Acting Career
Brother Fares Fares
His brother, Fares Fares, is a prominent actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including some of Josef's films. The brothers have a close professional and personal relationship.
Family Status
Marriage and Children (Speculative)
While specific details about Josef Fares' marital status and children are not widely available, it is presumed that he has a family. He prioritizes his privacy in this area.

Transition to Video Game Development

Growing Interest in Video Games
Late 2000s
Josef Fares develops a growing interest in video games and their potential for storytelling and interactive experiences. He feels limited by the passive nature of film and seeks to create more immersive and engaging narratives.
Founding Hazelight Studios
2013
Josef Fares founds Hazelight Studios, an independent game development company based in Stockholm, Sweden. This marks his official entry into the video game industry.

Film Directing Career

Debut Feature Film: "Jalla! Jalla!"
2000
Josef Fares makes his directorial debut with "Jalla! Jalla!", a comedy exploring themes of culture and identity. The film receives critical acclaim and commercial success in Sweden.
"Kopps"
2003
Fares directs "Kopps", a comedic action film that satirizes Swedish stereotypes and police procedures. The film further establishes his reputation as a talented filmmaker.
"Zozo"
2005
Fares directs "Zozo", a semi-autobiographical film that delves into the experiences of a young boy fleeing war-torn Lebanon. The film receives international recognition and critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth.
"Leo"
2007
Fares releases "Leo", another Swedish film. Though less internationally known than his other works, it continues to showcase his ability to blend humor and heartfelt narratives.
"Balls"
2010
Fares directs "Balls", a comedy centered around a bowling team. It marks another entry in his filmography that balances humor and relatable human stories.

Public Persona and Controversies

"Fuck the Oscars!"
The Game Awards 2017
Josef Fares delivers a memorable and expletive-filled speech at The Game Awards 2017, passionately expressing his love for video games and famously declaring, "Fuck the Oscars!" The speech goes viral and solidifies his reputation as an outspoken and unconventional figure.
Outspoken and Passionate Advocate for Video Games
General Public Image
Fares is known for his passionate and often unfiltered opinions on video games, art, and the creative process. He frequently uses his platform to advocate for the importance of video games as an art form.
Candid Industry Criticisms
Industry Commentary
Fares isn't shy about criticizing industry trends he disagrees with, often voicing his opinions on monetization practices and creative compromises he sees in the gaming world. His candor resonates with some while generating debate with others.
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Days in Chronicle
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23 March, 2018
Josef Fares' video game 'A Way Out', developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts, was released. The game is a co-op action-adventure game focusing on two prisoners who must escape prison and stay on the run from authorities.
7 December, 2017
Josef Fares appeared at The Game Awards 2017 and gave a memorable and controversial speech where he criticized the Oscars and Electronic Arts' microtransaction practices. This speech, remembered as his "fuck the Oscars" moment, became an internet meme and significantly raised his profile within the gaming community.
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Josef Fares

Josef Fares (born 19 September 1977) is a Lebanese-Swedish film director and video game designer.[1][2] His brother is the actor Fares Fares, who has appeared in many of his films, including one of his major hits, A Way Out (2018).[3] He is the founder of Hazelight Studios. He was presented "The Game Of The Year Award" for his game It Takes Two at The Game Awards in 2021. He also directed the game Split Fiction (2025).

Key Information

Biography

[edit]
Fares in 2013

Josef Fares moved to Sweden when he was 10 years old, fleeing the Lebanese Civil War with his family.[4] Variety declared him one of ten upcoming directors to watch in 2006.[5] The same year he won the Nordic Council Film Prize for his film Zozo.[6] In 2013, he directed his first video game, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. The game was well received by critics. Its focus is on the interaction between two brothers and their journey to save their father. He next formed his own development company, named Hazelight Studios, and partnered with publisher Electronic Arts for his next video game, A Way Out, which was released 23 March 2018.[7]

On 7 December 2017 Fares appeared on The Game Awards 2017 and gave a speech while on stage with host Geoff Keighley, where he strongly criticized the Oscars due to their ranking films above video games.[8]

Fares includes the speech as an Easter egg in his 2021 game It Takes Two.[9] His comments were censored, and he referenced the speech, while saying that the "Oscars got fucked", as he accepted the Game of the Year Award at The Game Awards 2021.[10]

Industry perspective

[edit]

In an interview to The Washington Post following It Takes Two's win at The Game Awards 2021, Fares expressed his perspective on several topics in the game industry. He said he would "rather get shot in the knee" than include NFTs in future games, he also put forward that adjusting game design to make the player pay is wrong, and stated "For me, gaming is art". Fares has also commented on the topic of sexual harassment within the gaming industry which was brought up at The Game Awards 2021 with respect to Activision Blizzard and its CEO Bobby Kotick, saying "I think sometimes you need to go through some shit to get to the other side. That’s what’s happening", as well as that unions help "but that’s just one of the things. I don’t think it solves everything. Education and knowledge, I think that’s most important."[11]

Personal life

[edit]

Fares has two daughters, Mio and Zoe. The protagonists of Split Fiction are named after his daughters.[4]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Film
2000 Jalla! Jalla!
2003 Kopps
2005 Zozo
2007 Leo
2010 Balls

Ludography

[edit]
Year Game Role Studio
2013 Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Director Starbreeze Studios
2018 A Way Out Director Hazelight Studios
2021 It Takes Two Director Hazelight Studios
2025 Split Fiction Director Hazelight Studios

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Josef Fares – The Swedish Film Database". 19 September 1977. Retrieved 2017-12-09.
  2. ^ "Josef Fares – Svensk Filmdatabas". 19 September 1977. Retrieved 2018-03-23.
  3. ^ Mahardy, Mike (2013-10-27). "Brothers: How a film director shook up Starbreeze". Polygon. Retrieved 2017-10-27.
  4. ^ a b Goldberg, Harold (8 March 2025). "Raised in a Civil War, He Makes Games to Bring People Together". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
  5. ^ "Consulate General of Sweden New York - Zozo by Josef Fares at Scandinavia House". Archived from the original on 2009-08-08. Retrieved 2010-01-28.
  6. ^ "Zozo wins Nordic Council Film prize". Cineuropa - the best of european cinema. 12 October 2006. Retrieved 2017-10-27.
  7. ^ "A Way Out | Metacritic". metacritic.com. Retrieved 2018-04-06.
  8. ^ Sarkar, Samit (December 12, 2017). "Developer defends 'fuck the Oscars' rant from The Game Awards". Polygon. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  9. ^ Makuch, Eddie (March 29, 2021). "It Takes Two Has A Great "F**k The Oscars" Easter Egg". GameSpot. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  10. ^ Van Der Velde, Issy (December 9, 2021). "It Takes Two Wins Game Of The Year At The Game Awards". Thegamer.
  11. ^ "Years after viral Game Awards rant, 'It Takes Two' director says he doesn't hate the Oscars". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
[edit]
Hub tags
#director#man#lebanese#designer#game#filmmaker#person#assyrian#swedish
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Lebanese-Swedish film director and screenwriter

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This is a community hub built on top of the Josef Fares Wikipedia article. Here, you can discuss, collect, and organize anything related to Josef Fares. The purpose of the hub is to connect people, foster deeper knowledge, and help improve the root Wikipedia article.
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Lebanese-Swedish film director and screenwriter

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