The recent success of games occupying the “AA” space—titles that sit comfortably between massive AAA spectacles and small indie projects—has sparked conversation about the future of development budgets. Sandfall’s RPG *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* is often cited as a prime example, having broken out in 2025 despite a reported budget of less than $10 million. While this success proves that high-quality games don’t always require nine figures, Hazelight boss Josef Fares is cautioning against an industry-wide pivot away from the high-end blockbusters.
Speaking to The Game Business, Fares expressed concern that decision-makers might overcorrect and abandon large-scale projects, focusing instead only on lower-budget titles following the recent AA trend. Fares, known for co-op hits like *It Takes Two* and now heading the development studio Split Fiction, stressed that he couldn’t imagine a gaming world devoid of spectacle. “I would not be able to live without a AAA title,” he admitted, explaining his desire to continue playing major blockbuster releases.
He pointed out that while AA titles are vital, they simply cannot replace the biggest experiences. “You can’t do GTA for $10 million,” Fares stated, underscoring the necessity of massive investment for certain types of games. Ultimately, Fares believes the industry needs to embrace both ends of the spectrum, urging developers and publishers alike not to become “stuck in ideas” that label AA or indie as inherently “new things,” but rather to appreciate the entire diverse ecosystem.