Josef Fares, the outspoken director behind the award-winning It Takes Two, has firmly responded to critics labeling his new game Split Fiction as “woke propaganda” simply because it features two female protagonists.
“I don’t care what you have between your legs,” Fares stated bluntly when addressing the criticism. “What matters is if the character is good or not.” His no-nonsense response highlights his focus on creating compelling characters regardless of gender.
The acclaimed director pointed out that his previous games featured male leads, and now he’s chosen to create a story with female protagonists. For Fares, this creative decision is about character depth and storytelling rather than any political agenda.
Split Fiction is the latest cooperative adventure from Hazelight Studios, following their successful titles A Way Out and It Takes Two. The game centers on two writers, Mio Hudson and Zoe Foster, who find themselves stuck inside fictional worlds of their own creation after a strange experiment goes wrong.
Players must work together to navigate through alternating science fiction and fantasy settings, each introducing unique gameplay mechanics that encourage collaboration between players. The dual-world concept allows for varied environments and challenges throughout the adventure.
This isn’t the first time Fares has made headlines with his direct communication style. The Lebanese-Swedish director famously declared “F*** the Oscars” during The Game Awards 2017, cementing his reputation for speaking his mind without filter.
Hazelight Studios has built a strong following through their commitment to innovative cooperative gameplay experiences. It Takes Two previously won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021, proving their expertise in creating compelling two-player adventures.
Split Fiction is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, continuing Hazelight’s tradition of crafting games specifically designed for two players to enjoy together.
