Josef Fares Net Worth: How Rich is The Maverick Game Designer?

When you think of unforgettable moments in gaming history, Josef Fares’ fiery outburst at The Game Awards 2017 might come to mind. The moment he declared, “F** the Oscars!”* with unfiltered passion, the world got a glimpse of a creator who was not afraid to speak his mind. But Fares is much more than his viral persona; he’s a visionary who reshaped the landscape of cooperative gaming with titles like “Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons,” “A Way Out,” and the Game of the Year-winning “It Takes Two.” In this blog, we dive into the life, career, and impact of Josef Fares—a Lebanese-Swedish game designer who brought Hollywood-style storytelling to the gaming world.

From Beirut to Sweden: A Journey of Resilience

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1977, Josef Fares’ early life was marked by the chaos of civil war. At the age of 10, he and his family fled to Sweden, seeking safety and a fresh start. Settling in Örebro, Fares navigated the complexities of immigrant life, an experience that would later influence the themes of family, connection, and perseverance in his games.

Growing up alongside his brother, Fares Fares—now a successful actor known for roles in “Westworld” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”—Josef cultivated a passion for storytelling. This sibling bond would also inspire the emotional core of his first game, “Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons.” Today, at 48 years old, Fares stands as a multimillionaire, boasting a net worth of $20 million—a testament to his dual success in film and video games.

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A Cinematic Start: Fares’ Film Career

Before making waves in the gaming industry, Fares was a celebrated filmmaker in Sweden. His debut film, “Jalla! Jalla!” (2000), was a hilarious yet heartfelt exploration of cultural identity and relationships, quickly becoming a commercial hit. He followed this with “Kopps” (2003) and the more intense “Leo” (2007), solidifying his reputation for blending humor with raw emotion.

Fares’ films often explored themes of cultural clash, family dynamics, and personal identity—concepts that would later become central to his video game narratives. But despite his success on the big screen, Fares felt constrained by the limitations of traditional filmmaking. His solution? To bring cinematic storytelling into the interactive world of video games.

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A Bold Move: From Director to Game Designer

In 2013, Fares took a surprising turn in his career, partnering with Starbreeze Studios to develop “Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons.” This puzzle-adventure game was a narrative-driven masterpiece that explored the bond between two brothers on a perilous journey. Its unique control scheme—allowing players to control each brother with different sides of the controller—was a stroke of genius, making players physically feel the separation and connection between the siblings.

The game was a critical success, winning numerous awards and proving that Fares’ storytelling skills could translate seamlessly into the world of interactive media. The overwhelmingly positive response encouraged Fares to double down on his newfound passion for game development.

Hazelight Studios: Crafting Cooperative Experiences

Riding high on the success of “Brothers,” Fares founded Hazelight Studios in 2014 with a clear vision: to create games that are meant to be played together. The studio’s first title, “A Way Out” (2018), was a prison break narrative that could only be played cooperatively. With no single-player option available, players had to rely on each other to progress—mirroring the game’s themes of trust and partnership.

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Fares’ background in filmmaking was evident in “A Way Out,” with its cinematic cutscenes and character-driven storytelling. The game was a commercial success, selling over 3.5 million copies, and cemented Fares as a pioneer of cooperative gameplay.

It Takes Two: Game of the Year and Beyond

If “A Way Out” was a bold experiment, then “It Takes Two” was the crowning achievement of Fares’ vision. Released in 2021, this cooperative action-adventure platformer follows a married couple on the brink of divorce who are transformed into dolls and must navigate a whimsical yet perilous world to repair their fractured bond.

The game was an instant hit, praised for its seamless blend of gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and cooperative elements. Its success was capped off by winning Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021, a significant achievement for a purely cooperative title.

Thematically, “It Takes Two” captured the essence of what makes relationships work: communication, trust, and teamwork. Its success was a vindication of Fares’ belief that cooperative gameplay could tell deeper, more meaningful stories.

An Unfiltered Persona: Love Him or Hate Him

Beyond his games, Josef Fares has become known for his larger-than-life personality. His unforgettable speech at The Game Awards 2017, where he took a swipe at the Academy Awards, became an internet sensation. But Fares’ unfiltered nature isn’t just for show—it reflects a genuine passion for pushing the boundaries of what games can be.

His outspoken criticism of microtransactions, focus on cooperative gameplay, and insistence on not following industry trends have earned him both admirers and detractors. But love him or hate him, Fares’ impact on the industry is undeniable.

Legacy and the Future

As of 2025, with a net worth of $20 million and a string of successful titles under his belt, Josef Fares shows no signs of slowing down. Hazelight Studios continues to thrive, with fans eagerly anticipating what’s next from the team. Fares’ journey—from a young immigrant in Sweden to a filmmaker and now a game designer—embodies the power of storytelling across different mediums.

In a world where games are often criticized for being repetitive or devoid of meaningful narratives, Fares’ work stands out as a bold reminder that video games can be both emotionally resonant and innovative. As he continues to redefine what cooperative gaming can be, one thing is clear: Josef Fares isn’t done making waves yet.