Electronic Arts (EA) is often criticized by gamers for various reasons, including its controversial use of microtransactions and management of beloved studios like BioWare and Origin. Josef Fares, the director behind the co-op game Split Fiction, has shared his positive experiences with the publisher, contradicting the common perception of EA.
Fares’ Perspective on EA
In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Fares expressed his confusion over the widespread animosity towards EA, stating, “For some reason, people like to hate EA, I don’t know why.” Despite the negative sentiment, he emphasized a strong working relationship with the company. “My relationship with them is very good. They’re super supportive of us,” he said.
Critique of Capitalism
Beyond his experiences with EA, Fares addressed broader issues within the gaming industry, attributing some of the problems to capitalism itself. He commented on how the drive for profit can lead to poor decision-making in game development. “You need to make more and more money, which doesn’t make sense because it encourages stupid decisions,” he explained.
Success Through Passion
Fares highlighted the success of Split Fiction, noting that it was developed without microtransactions and without the need for players to purchase multiple copies. He suggested that focusing on creating quality games driven by passion could set a new standard in the industry. He asserted that this approach not only satisfies consumers but can also lead to financial success.
EA’s Support for Development
Fares acknowledged that while no publisher is perfect, EA has allowed his studio, Hazelight, the freedom to innovate and experiment during the development process. He appreciates that EA seems to be learning from past mistakes and is actively supporting creative projects like Split Fiction. This support is significant in an industry often characterized by restrictive publisher oversight.