Josef Fares is a Swedish-Lebanese filmmaker and game designer, widely known for his innovative storytelling and passion for cooperative gameplay. As of 2025, Josef Fares’ estimated net worth is $20 million. His journey from a film director to a game development visionary has made him one of the most influential figures in interactive entertainment today.
This article explores Fares’ life, career, and financial standing, as well as his impact on both the film and gaming industries.
Early Life and Immigration: A Story of Resilience
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1977 (age 48 in 2025), Josef Fares grew up during a time of civil unrest. At the age of 10, he and his family fled Lebanon to escape war, settling in Örebro, Sweden. This dramatic shift in his childhood deeply influenced his storytelling, often centering on themes of family, connection, and perseverance.
Growing up as an immigrant in Sweden, Fares developed a unique cultural perspective, which would later shape both his films and video games. His personal experiences as a refugee contributed to his ability to craft emotional and relatable narratives.
Film Career: From Director to Visionary Storyteller
Before transitioning to game development, Josef Fares was a well-established film director in Sweden. His directorial debut, Jalla! Jalla! (2000), was a commercial and critical success, tackling themes of cultural identity and relationships. His ability to blend humor and heartfelt storytelling became a signature aspect of his filmmaking.
Notable Films by Josef Fares:
- Jalla! Jalla! (2000) – A romantic comedy about love and cultural expectations.
- Kopps (2003) – A humorous action film about police officers in a small town.
- Leo (2007) – A crime drama exploring identity and personal struggle.
- Farsan (2010) – A film focusing on fatherhood and generational conflict.
These films were critically acclaimed and showcased Fares’ ability to tell deeply personal and engaging stories, a skill that would later translate into his video game projects.
Transition to Game Development: Reinventing Interactive Storytelling
In 2013, Josef Fares made a bold career move by entering the video game industry. Partnering with Starbreeze Studios, he directed Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, a puzzle-adventure game that introduced a unique dual-character control system.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013)
- Players controlled two brothers simultaneously, each using one side of the controller.
- The game featured minimal dialogue but delivered a deeply emotional narrative.
- It received critical acclaim, winning numerous awards and establishing Fares as a game development visionary.
Hazelight Studios: Pioneering Cooperative Gameplay
Following the success of Brothers, Josef Fares founded Hazelight Studios in 2014, with the goal of focusing exclusively on cooperative gaming experiences. His studio became synonymous with innovative multiplayer storytelling.
A Way Out (2018):
- A prison break adventure requiring full cooperative play.
- Could only be played in split-screen or online co-op.
- Pushed the boundaries of narrative-driven cooperative gaming.
It Takes Two (2021):
- A co-op action-adventure about a married couple navigating their broken relationship.
- Featured diverse gameplay mechanics, blending genres seamlessly.
- Won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021, solidifying Hazelight’s place as a leader in story-driven co-op experiences.
With Hazelight Studios, Fares has revolutionized cooperative gaming, making it more than just a feature but a fundamental design principle. His belief in multiplayer storytelling has influenced a new wave of interactive narrative experiences.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Josef Fares Net Worth in 2025: $20 Million
Josef Fares’ wealth primarily comes from his film career and game development success. His studio, Hazelight, has achieved commercial and critical success with its titles, ensuring a steady revenue stream from game sales and partnerships.
Major Income Sources:
- Film Royalties – His early movies remain popular in Sweden and internationally.
- Game Sales – A Way Out and It Takes Two were both financial successes.
- Hazelight Studios – Revenue from game publishing deals and ongoing game development projects.
While $20 million is a significant amount, Fares is not just focused on wealth. He remains passionate about pushing creative boundaries and challenging traditional gaming conventions.
Public Persona: Passionate, Outspoken, and Unfiltered
Josef Fares is known for his outspoken and energetic personality, which has made him a unique figure in the gaming industry. His most famous moment came during The Game Awards 2017, when he passionately criticized the Academy Awards, saying:
“F** the Oscars!”*
This viral moment cemented his reputation as a bold and unfiltered voice in the industry. Fares’ honesty and enthusiasm have made him a fan-favorite developer, as he constantly advocates for games as an artistic medium.
Influence on the Gaming Industry
Fares’ commitment to innovation has had a lasting impact on gaming. His games emphasize:
- Emotional Storytelling – Focusing on relationships and personal struggles.
- Co-op Gameplay – Redefining how players engage with interactive narratives.
- Cinematic Experiences – Blending his filmmaking background with gaming mechanics.
His influence has inspired other developers to take creative risks, further pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling.
Family and Personal Life
Josef Fares is the younger brother of Swedish-Lebanese actor Fares Fares, known for roles in films like Zero Dark Thirty and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The two have collaborated on multiple projects, showcasing their strong familial bond and creative synergy.
Despite his success, Fares remains dedicated to his craft, consistently working on new projects and striving to evolve the gaming landscape.
Future Projects and Legacy
Josef Fares and Hazelight Studios continue to work on new cooperative games, with speculation that their next title will be even more ambitious than It Takes Two. As the gaming industry evolves, Fares remains a leading voice in narrative-driven, multiplayer storytelling.
Conclusion
Josef Fares’ journey from Lebanese refugee to award-winning filmmaker and game developer is an inspiring story of creativity, resilience, and passion. With his continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling, his influence on the gaming industry is sure to endure for years to come.
As he works on new projects, one thing remains clear: Josef Fares is not just making games—he’s redefining how we experience them.
