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[Bartski]

VGC probing the brain of the maverick designer behind the 2021 VGA GOTY winner It Takes Two, about to appear at Keighley's show likely to fuck shit up once again

Josef Fares revisits It Takes Two: ‘I still think to myself, this is a f***ing good game’ | VGC

VGC caught up with the outspoken Hazelight director ahead of the Switch release of It Takes Two…

www.videogameschronicle.com

Looking back at It Takes Two:

“You know, it’s funny, most of the time I don’t play games I’ve been involved with,” he told us when asked if he had a specific section he looked back on fondly. “We’re so focussed on the next game… I can’t say it’s only one [Ievel], but I’m still looking back on it now thinking ‘this is a fucking good game’[Laughs]”. That confidence and self-belief is a trademark of Josef Fares’ uncensored frankness.

For an entirely co-op experience to sell 7 million copies as of July 2022 feels like a hugely impressive feat, but Fares thinks it may have something to do with just how unexplored the genre is in the gaming space.

“We don’t have many great co-op games. That’s one of the reasons people want to play it together, and obviously, we’ve been seeing considering how It Takes Two is selling: it’s a huge genre. You cannot play it alone and how don’t have any games like that. It’s literally A Way Out that started doing that. We’re still getting fan mail every day, it’s cool to see.

Looking forward:

It’s now been a year and a half since It Takes Two debuted, and Hazelight is hard at work on his next game. Fares is uncharacteristically coy on the new project, likely well aware that following a game that almost cracked 90 on Metacritic is a far steeper task.

“We’re making good progress, but there’s a lot more to do,” he said. “It’s definitely going in the right direction. And it’ll be something really fucking cool.” That much is almost guaranteed. Fares tells us that the game will be a “surprise in a good way,” and that he’ll be at The Game Awards 2022 to present Game of the Year to this year’s winner.

While this seems like a natural place to reveal the next game, he stops short of confirming he’ll show what’s next on Geoff Keighley’s stage. “Get ready for me man, I’m coming. Trust me… it will blow your fucking mind.”

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

Maybe I'll be able to play this one . . . if it isn't a mandatory co-op game. Still haven't found anyone to play A Way Out with me. heh

 

[diffusionx]

Sick of this guy and his shtick

 

[SlimySnake]

my 2021 GOTY. Wonderful game. This guy and his studio are the real deal.

 

[ManaByte]

It’ll blow my mind if it isn’t a mandatory co-op game.

 

[Magic Carpet]

It takes two was the hardest game I played so far this Gen.
Finding a CoOp player that has time when you do is TUFF.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Oscar Fucking - Coop Edition

 

[TintoConCasera]

Silly question, but... How awkward could it be to play It Takes Two with another guy?

I really enjoyed playing A Way Out. Kinda jank game but very original.

 

[Kurotri]

What's someone supposed to do with his games if there's no player 2 for whatever reason? I have yet to play one of his games..

 

[DeepEnigma]

Silly question, but... How awkward could it be to play It Takes Two with another guy?

I really enjoyed playing A Way Out. Kinda jank game but very original.

I played with my buddy, it was fine. You don't need to pretend you're the characters.

Fantastic game and was my 2021 GOTY.

 

[Robb]

Not a single game from him has blown my mind so I highly doubt that.

It takes two was pretty good though, looking forward to what he does next.

 

[saintjules]

It’ll blow my mind if it isn’t a mandatory co-op game.

I'm still surprised they didn't add local matches to this game.

 

[Fbh]

It Takes Two was a massive step up after the rather underwhelming A Way Out. Looking forward to what they do next.

What's someone supposed to do with his games if there's no player 2 for whatever reason? I have yet to play one of his games..

Play any of the other thousands of games that don't requiere a coop partner and make up the vast majority of available games?

 

[anthony2690]

I remember not being too keen on it takes two's reveal, but later trailers were great and I had an absolute blast playing through the game with my other half

 

[Captain Toad]

Silly question, but... How awkward could it be to play It Takes Two with another guy?

I really enjoyed playing A Way Out. Kinda jank game but very original.

Well, there's one part where you need to put the controllers down and have intercourse with your partner to proceed. So, depending on what you're comfortable with, it could be a bit awkward.

 

[nowhat]

Fuck the Oscars!!!

 

[Holammer]

It's another 2p co-op game, fk'n surprise?!
Mind blown.

 

[Kurotri]

It Takes Two was a massive step up after the rather underwhelming A Way Out. Looking forward to what they do next.



Play any of the other thousands of games that don't requiere a coop partner and make up the vast majority of available games?

I specifically said his games because I wanted to try his games .out. I am aware there's more games on this planet other than Josef's games...

 

[Vindicator]

It Takes Three will blow your minds.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

The Director that David Cage wishes to be.

 

[GymWolf]

Another coop game that i'm never gonna play.

 

[jaysius]

Dewrito Pope and this guy should have a show or podcast, it'd be the most repulsive heap of shit in gaming.

 

[ReBurn]

 

[digoutyoursoul]

Not very humble this guy is he

 

[Rockman33]

He’s made nothing but good to amazing games. Also focusing on styles of games that the industry seems to have forgotten.

If he wants to be super vocal and load and make great unique games I’m all for it!

For people that come in here to say they will never play it, I’m not even sure why you clicked on this thread…

 

[Fabieter]

He did with the last game already. Can't wait to see his next game.

 

[StreetsofBeige]

Sick of this guy and his shtick

I like how the first time he did his adlibbed rant it was pretty damn funny.

Then the next two times he tried it with a script he obviously tried memorizing he fucked it up.

 

[nowhat]

Another coop game that i'm never gonna play.

Unless you're vehemently opposed to co-op, PM me if you wanna try It Takes Two. You're from .eu right? I already own a copy, so you don't need one.

Not this week though, I've a ton of work. Not next week either, because Ragnarök. But... sometime in the future.

 

[SmurfMustard]

Can't wait. It Takes Two was definitely my GOTY. Played it with my brother and we both loved it. If they can make an even better experience it will be insane.

 

[GymWolf]

Unless you're vehemently opposed to co-op, PM me if you wanna try It Takes Two. You're from .eu right? I already own a copy, so you don't need one.

Not this week though, I've a ton of work. Not next week either, because Ragnarök. But... sometime in the future.

Yeah, i'm not too hot on coop games nor games based on minigames, but thanks for the proposition anyway.

 

[Tomi]

I hate those omg big mega uber duper megatron mind blow omgggg posts

Show us, and we will decide is this super duper megatron omgggmgmgmgm stuff

 

[theStartupSound]

It Takes Three will blow your minds.

I would love to see a game from him for three or four players.

He seems like a strange guy I would not like to meet in real life, but his games are a good contrast to the pretty same-ish feeling games everyone else is bringing to the table.

 

[Loke]

Sick of this guy and his shtick

 

[Kuranghi]

It Takes Three will blow your minds.

Nice, a game adaptation of Vicky Christina Barcelona. Spoiler alert: half way through it turns into It Takes Four!

 

[DAHGAMING]

This cunt couldnt blow a balloon.

 

[AJUMP23]

Playing It takes 2 with my son was a blast.

I hope it is a co-op game because that is what he does. He is unique.

 

[Carmen Winstead]

Game will be in the low 70s on Metacritic.
Show me the fucking game or shut the fuck up and stop hyping it bish.

 

[SkeletonQuays]

In my head he's basically JP from Grandma's Boy.

 

[digoutyoursoul]

This cunt couldnt blow a balloon.

He did backstage at the VGAs with his arse, so I respect him for that at least.

 

[HTK]

Another co-op kiddie game?

 

[Spukc]

FUCK THE OSCARS

 

[bender]

Hopefully it is a squirrel based 2D fighter featuring stages comprised of biplanes.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

Game will be in the low 70s on Metacritic.
Show me the fucking game or shut the fuck up and stop hyping it bish.

Post of the day. Truly inspiring. 8 minute standing ovation to you my friend.

 

[SantaC]

Sick of this guy and his shtick

He has backed up his shtick though

 

[NeoIkaruGAF]

Silly question, but... How awkward could it be to play It Takes Two with another guy?

 

[Gudji]

Fuck the Oscars!!!

 

[YCoCg]

These threads are the best, love reading comments from people salty because they can't find someone to play co-op with.

 

[Ghost of Caelid]

Sick of this guy and his shtick

His shtick Aka goty quality games?

 

[Esca]

I wonder if mountain dew will announce a new flavor at the show

 

[drotahorror]

I'm still surprised they didn't add local matches to this game.

"Local matches" to what game?