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Split Fiction Director Josef Fares Talks About the GOTY Race in 2025
Josef Fares, the director of Split Fiction and founder of Hazelight Studios, is hopeful for another Game of the Year (GOTY) win in 2025. However, he acknowledges the challenge ahead if GTA 6 releases as planned, admitting that competing against such a massive title would be “really tough.”
In a recent interview with Fall Damage, where Fares responded to YouTube comments, he was shown a prediction that Split Fiction would be the Game of the Year for 2025. Hazelight Studios previously won the prestigious award in 2021 for It Takes Two, but this time, they might be facing one of the most anticipated game releases of all time.
“I would really appreciate it if we won Game of the Year again, but I’m a huge fan of GTA. I think if that comes out it’s gonna be really tough, and I want it to come out because I’m a huge fan.”
Split Fiction: A Strong GOTY Contender in 2025
Currently, Split Fiction is the highest-rated game of 2025, surpassing other major titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. With an impressive 91 Metascore, it has solidified itself as a top-tier release in the gaming industry.
The game has been widely praised for its innovative co-op mechanics, gripping storytelling, and cinematic presentation. Hazelight Studios, known for pushing boundaries in cooperative gameplay, has once again delivered a title that resonates with both critics and players.
The GTA 6 Factor: Will It Dominate the 2025 Awards?
While Split Fiction is currently leading the race, the looming presence of GTA 6 could change everything. Rockstar Games’ next big release is scheduled to launch in fall 2025, and if it meets its deadline, it could sweep the awards season.
Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive (Rockstar’s parent company), recently stated that while they are confident about the 2025 release, there is “always a risk of slippage.” This uncertainty leaves room for games like Split Fiction to dominate the awards circuit if GTA 6 faces delays.
Josef Fares’ Perspective on the Gaming Industry
Fares has always been an outspoken figure in the gaming industry. Apart from discussing the GOTY race, he also shared his thoughts on Ubisoft’s direction. He believes Ubisoft is “struggling” and has suggested they should make a co-op-focused Splinter Cell game rather than another single-player installment.
“Don’t chicken out to do single-player; just say this is split-screen only.”
This statement aligns with Hazelight Studios’ philosophy of embracing cooperative gameplay over traditional single-player experiences. Split Fiction is yet another example of this vision, further solidifying Hazelight’s reputation as a leader in co-op gaming.
What Makes Split Fiction a GOTY Worthy Game?
Despite tough competition, Split Fiction has several elements that make it a strong GOTY contender:
- Engaging Storyline: A deeply immersive narrative that keeps players emotionally invested.
- Unique Co-op Gameplay: Continues Hazelight’s tradition of co-op excellence.
- Critical Acclaim: The game’s 91 Metascore is proof of its quality.
- Player Reception: The gaming community has widely embraced it, leading to strong word-of-mouth promotion.
Will GTA 6 Crush the Competition?
If GTA 6 releases as planned, it is expected to be the biggest game of the decade, with record-breaking sales and widespread critical acclaim. Rockstar’s last major release, GTA 5, set industry standards across three console generations, and the expectations for GTA 6 are sky-high.
However, there is still uncertainty regarding its exact release timeline, which leaves an opportunity for Split Fiction to secure major awards before GTA 6 takes center stage.
A Tough Battle for GOTY 2025
While Split Fiction is currently at the top, GTA 6 could change everything if it releases on schedule. Josef Fares remains optimistic but realistic, acknowledging the competition while still rooting for Rockstar’s success as a longtime fan of the GTA series.
As we move through 2025, the Game of the Year race remains unpredictable, with Split Fiction leading the charge but GTA 6 waiting in the wings. Whether Hazelight can secure another GOTY win or if Rockstar will once again dominate the awards remains to be seen.