Josef Fares wants to win another GOTY with Split Fiction, but he knows why it's not possible and it has a proper name

Josef Fares, director of Split Fiction and founder of Hazelight Studios, has expressed his desire to win the Game of the Year award again in 2025, after having won it in 2021 with his successful title It Takes Two. However, Fares is aware of the intense competition he will face, especially if Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is released this year, one of the most anticipated titles in video game history.

In a recent video from Fall Damage, where he responds to comments on YouTube, Fares commented on the possibility of Split Fiction being named Game of the Year, although he also mentioned the admiration he feels for the GTA franchise. “It would be amazing to win again, but if GTA 6 comes out, it will be a big challenge. I’m excited for its release because I’m a huge fan,” Fares stated.

A game with exceptional reception from critics and the public

At this moment, Split Fiction is presented as the highest-rated game of 2025, with an impressive Metascore of 91, surpassing other acclaimed titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. However, the reaction from the public and critics will largely depend on the impact of GTA 6, which is expected to be the market leader if it is finally released in the fall, as planned.

Although GTA 6 is scheduled for this year, Strauss Zelnick, director of Take-Two, has mentioned the possibility of adjustments to the release date, noting that “there is always the risk of delay.” This leaves the door open for Split Fiction to have the opportunity to shine if GTA 6 does not meet its schedule.

On the other hand, Fares suggested that Ubisoft should consider creating a cooperative Splinter Cell game, arguing that they should not limit themselves to offering only single-player experiences. “Don’t regret making a cooperative game; just go for a split-screen game,” Fares advised, emphasizing the need to innovate in the cooperative space.

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