Following Division, Hazelight Studios Confronts Significant Challenges

Hazelight Studios has swiftly established itself as a powerhouse in the gaming world, and with Split Fiction, they’re proving once again why they’re a name to reckon with. This game is a thrilling blend of genres, weaving a narrative about trust and moving beyond past burdens. It’s a testament to the deep well of imagination that Hazelight’s team draws from frequently.

Diving headfirst between stunning fantasy realms and sleek sci-fi landscapes, Split Fiction carves out a unique niche for itself. However, it does place Hazelight Studios in an interesting dilemma. The gaming community was eager to see whether Split Fiction could live up to the high standards set by its predecessor, It Takes Two. While comparisons are inevitable, it’s safe to say that Split Fiction surpasses expectations with its inventive storytelling. With this new triumphant release, the anticipation for Hazelight’s future projects has skyrocketed.

Split Fiction firmly cements itself as a co-op game worth noting by carrying the legacy of “It Takes Two,” a game that centers on Cody and May’s marriage on the rocks, leading to their transformation into tiny dolls – a quirky journey of mending heartstrings that led It Takes Two to claim the 2021 Game of the Year title. Just when it seemed Hazelight had reached the pinnacle of storytelling with It Takes Two, Split Fiction emerges, showcasing their reservoir of brilliant ideas.

Adding to the appeal, Split Fiction includes the Friend’s Pass feature, meaning only one player needs to purchase the game for others to join the adventure, making it more accessible.

As Hazelight Studios continues to raise the bar, the big question hanging over their heads is, “What’s next?” Having surpassed It Takes Two in various ways, they now face the daunting challenge of exceeding the towering expectations once more. In under ten years, Hazelight has crafted three compelling games, each demonstrating the unique potential co-op games hold for immersive narratives that encourage players to collaborate towards shared objectives.

Their lineup includes the exhilarating A Way Out (2018), the delightful It Takes Two (2021), and the innovative Split Fiction (2025). Considering co-op narratives have become the studio’s signature, speculation is rife about their future endeavors. With the groundwork laid by Split Fiction’s acclaim, the next chapter in Hazelight’s journey promises to flex their creative capabilities even further, providing a tantalizing prospect for fans.

2025 is shaping up to be monumental for the gaming industry. Split Fiction stands strong amidst the competition, even posing a challenge to the likes of GTA 6, if it releases as scheduled this year. While another Game of the Year win might be ambitious, Split Fiction is certainly a strong contender for nomination.

Incredibly, Split Fiction is the first EA-published game in 13 years to launch with a Metacritic score of 90 or higher, reaffirming the strength of co-op narratives and possibly inspiring other developers to take notice. Though the future for Hazelight is a path yet to be paved, they face the exciting challenge of surpassing themselves in creativity and fun, ensuring their next game becomes a memorable gem for players to savor.