Josef Fares, director of Split Fiction and longtime collaborator with EA through his studio Hazelight, is stepping up to defend the publisher amid mounting criticism. Known for his outspoken nature and passionate takes, Fares acknowledges that no publisher is perfect and mistakes happen across the board. Yet with EA, he argues, the backlash has reached an unfair level.
Fares pointed out that over the years, EA has gotten a very negative reputation, often cast as the villain in gaming conversations. While the publisher has its flaws—like any big company—Fares believes the community’s perception doesn’t always reflect the full picture of what it means to work with them. For Hazelight, partnering with EA has meant greater resources and support, enabling projects like It Takes Two to reach millions of players worldwide.
This defense from Fares comes at a time when EA continues to be scrutinized for various business decisions, from microtransactions to game delays. But hearing such a candid perspective from someone who’s worked closely with the company offers some nuance often missing in simpler narratives. Fares doesn’t claim EA is perfect, but he insists they deserve a fairer shake, especially in light of how they can help bring ambitious games to life.
Source: videogameschronicle.com
