Full Breakdown
Josef Fares Defends EA Amid Controversy Over Saudi Acquisition
1/14/2026, 7:42:30 PM
Core Event: Josef Fares' Support for EA
Josef Fares, the founder of Hazelight Studios, has publicly defended Electronic Arts (EA) against criticism, asserting that the company is often unfairly vilified compared to other gaming publishers. Fares, whose studio has collaborated with EA on titles such as *A Way Out*, *It Takes Two*, and *Split Fiction*, emphasized the positive nature of their partnership, stating, "There are a lot of great people at EA... They respect it and they leave us be."
Background & Context: EA's Acquisition Controversy
Fares' comments come in the wake of EA's proposed $55 billion acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and private equity firms. This acquisition has raised concerns due to Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record, leading to public outcry from video game unions and human rights organizations. Critics argue that the acquisition could further entrench problematic practices within the gaming industry.
Criticism & Opposition: Public Backlash
The backlash against EA intensified as prominent content creators associated with *The Sims* distanced themselves from the company, prompting EA to reassure its community that "the values of The Sims are unchanged." This situation highlights the tension between corporate partnerships and ethical considerations in the gaming industry.
Official Statements & Responses
In his defense of EA, Fares acknowledged that while the company has made mistakes, "everybody's done something that's not good," referencing other major players in the industry, including Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony. He stated, "For us, it's a super good collaboration... If it was bad, I would've said that in this interview as well." Fares reiterated that Hazelight will maintain its creative independence regardless of its partnership with EA.
Data & Statistics: Success of *Split Fiction*
Hazelight's latest release, *Split Fiction*, has achieved significant commercial success, selling over 2 million units within its first week and breaking multiple records for local co-op games on Steam. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay and has garnered a film adaptation starring Sydney Sweeney, directed by Jon M. Chu.
Verbatim Quotes
- "There's not a publisher in the world that hasn't fucked up now and then." — Josef Fares, Founder of Hazelight Studios
- "For us, it's a super good collaboration. I'm very open about [it]." — Josef Fares
- "People should not worry, because Hazelight will do always what it wants." — Josef Fares
What's Next: Future of EA and Hazelight
As the acquisition process unfolds, the future relationship between EA and its partners, including Hazelight, remains to be seen. Fares' comments suggest a commitment to maintaining creative integrity, but the broader implications of the acquisition on industry practices and public perception will likely continue to evolve.
