Hazelight Studios, known for its innovative "couch co-op" gameplay, has once again captured the gaming community's attention with their latest release, Split Fiction. Following the success of their previous title, It Takes Two, which sold an impressive 20 million copies and won a Game of the Year Award, Hazelight's new game has set a remarkable precedent by selling one million copies within just 48 hours. Split Fiction offers a unique collaborative experience where players must work together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles, featuring characters Zoe, a fantasy author, and Mio, a sci-fi writer.
The game's success is a testament to Hazelight's distinctive approach to game development, which sets it apart from other companies attempting to incorporate co-op features. Josef Fares, the creative force behind Hazelight, believes that the studio is "a different breed." His resolute commitment to maintaining the studio's vision is evident in his resistance to industry pressures, such as including micro-transactions in their games. Despite these pressures, Fares remains uncompromising, stating, "We're sticking to the vision of what we believe in. Stick with the vision, go with it."
In recent years, many developers have attempted to replicate the success of live service titles like Fortnite, which constantly updates to retain players over extended periods. However, Hazelight has taken a different path by focusing on social play, a key component of gaming for younger consumers, as highlighted by a Midia Research report. This approach aligns with the popularity of couch co-op gameplay seen in some of the best-selling games on Nintendo's Switch system, such as Mario Kart 8 and the Mario Party series.
Hazelight's relationship with EA, one of the world's largest publishers, has proven mutually beneficial. While EA provides extensive resources and support, Fares and his team maintain creative control over their projects. This collaboration allows Hazelight to deliver high-quality games without succumbing to industry trends that may compromise their artistic integrity.
Split Fiction's rave reviews reflect players' appreciation for its engaging and collaborative nature. The game encourages players to enjoy a shared social experience rather than compete against one another. As one player expressed, "I don't want to have to come home tired and have to focus 100% to just be able to do ok at a game," emphasizing the appeal of games that offer relaxation and enjoyment over intense concentration.
Hazelight's commitment to creating games that resonate with players is not without its challenges. During early playtests of their previous game Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, feedback was reportedly "super bad." However, Fares remained steadfast in his confidence, asserting, "I'm like, they're wrong, they're wrong, because I know it's great." This unwavering belief in his vision has undoubtedly contributed to the studio's continued success.