Split Fiction has only been out for less than two weeks, yet it has already achieved significant success. However, this does not mean that Hazelight Studios is slowing down or resting on its achievements. The studio has already begun working on its next big project, setting its sights on another ambitious and innovative gaming experience.
Joseph Fares Confirms the Next Project Is Underway
During an interview on the Friends Per Second podcast, Joseph Fares, the director and founder of Hazelight Studios, confirmed that development on their next game started about a month ago.
Fares expressed his excitement about the studio’s future and stated:
“Split Fiction is the best game we have ever made. Everyone at the studio is incredibly happy with what we achieved, but I am already fully focused on the next project. I’m excited, and we have already started working on it.”
While the game is still in the early stages of development, Fares revealed that the team has already gathered approximately 130 pages of ideas for the story.
“Most of these ideas revolve around the story—what is going to happen, how the narrative will unfold. But there are also some initial ideas related to gameplay. We are mapping out the experience, figuring out where the game will begin and where it will take players by the end.”
This suggests that Hazelight is once again prioritizing strong storytelling, a signature element in their previous games like A Way Out and It Takes Two, while also experimenting with gameplay innovations.
A Studio Driven by Passion, Confidence, and Innovation
Following Split Fiction’s successful launch, Fares emphasized that Hazelight Studios now feels more confident than ever in its ability to push creative boundaries and take on even bigger challenges.
He described the current atmosphere at the studio as energetic and highly motivated, saying:
“You can feel the energy. Whether we’re in the cafeteria having lunch or just casually chatting, we keep saying, ‘Wow, we can do even better than this.’ That’s our confidence talking. People at the studio are extremely happy, excited, and ready for what’s next. Hazelight is a very joyful place to be right now.”
This level of enthusiasm suggests that the team is not just celebrating their past success but is also driven by a desire to create something even more groundbreaking.
What’s Next for Hazelight?
Although Fares did not reveal any details about the genre, setting, or mechanics of the next game, based on Hazelight’s track record, fans can expect:
- A strong focus on storytelling, likely featuring deep emotional moments and character-driven narratives.
- Cooperative gameplay mechanics, as Hazelight is known for creating unique multiplayer experiences.
- Innovative gameplay features, pushing new ways for players to engage with the world.
Hazelight has built a reputation for crafting memorable, award-winning cooperative games, and fans are eagerly waiting to see what comes next.
Hazelight’s History of Success
Hazelight Studios has made a name for itself by delivering narrative-driven, cooperative games that have received critical acclaim and commercial success.
🔹 A Way Out (2018)
- A prison-break action-adventure game focused entirely on two-player co-op.
- Received high praise for its innovative mechanics and storytelling.
- Sold over 4 million copies.
🔹 It Takes Two (2021)
- A co-op adventure with platforming and puzzle-solving elements.
- Won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021.
- Sold over 10 million copies, becoming one of the most successful co-op games ever made.
🔹 Split Fiction (2024)
- Hazelight’s latest project, released to strong critical and commercial success.
- Has already gained a dedicated player base in under two weeks.
Given Hazelight’s track record of success, it is no surprise that expectations for their next game are already sky-high.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Hazelight
With Split Fiction still fresh in players’ minds, Hazelight is wasting no time in moving forward. The studio’s energy, confidence, and drive are clear indicators that their next project will be another exciting and innovative experience.
While it may take a few years before we get official details or a reveal, one thing is certain: Hazelight’s next game will be worth the wait.
What do you think Hazelight’s next game will be like? Will it follow the co-op formula, or will the studio try something completely new?
