“Split Fiction Director Expresses Concern Over AA Games Dominating the Market After Success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Emphasizing the Need for AAA Titles”

The recent successes of titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Blue Prince have injected a refreshing dose of optimism into the gaming landscape. These games demonstrate that teams of all sizes can flourish and create experiences that resonate with a broad audience. However, as we look ahead, It Takes Two director Josef Fares emphasizes the importance of not letting the triple-A sector stagnate in favor of smaller projects, as he still craves blockbuster titles like GTA 6.

“You hear a lot about how AA games are taking over after the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,” he notes. “But I can’t imagine gaming without AAA titles. I want to experience those blockbuster games. You can’t create something like GTA on a $10 million budget.”

Fares insists that “we need both” types of games. As publishers and investors recognize the impressive work being done across the industry, it’s vital not to become overly fixated on replicating what appears to be a successful formula. “It’s crucial not to get trapped in the mindset that AA or indie games are the new wave. We need diversity,” he asserts.

He hopes that publishers won’t look at a hit like Expedition 33 and conclude that AA is the only path forward. “I don’t buy into that,” he adds. “There were plenty of AA games released this year that went unnoticed. Let’s not forget that.”

A thriving creative ecosystem requires a variety of options. Having both GTA 6 and titles like Ball x Pit available caters to the diverse preferences of players. As Fares points out, many AA and other-tier games can miss the mark for various reasons, with Anthem being a notable recent example.

Through his studio, Hazelight, Fares has directed co-op titles like No Way Out and Split Fiction, in addition to It Takes Two. Each of these games fulfills specific gaming desires, and it would be just as misguided to view Hazelight as the ultimate goal as it would be to consider Sandfall. The best approach is to support solid creativity wherever it emerges.

While GTA 6 may not be “content complete,” Rockstar has stated they won’t “release in any sort of compromised state,” making the November launch date feel increasingly plausible.