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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.