Josef Fares, the visionary behind Hazelight Studios and the mastermind of the cooperative adventure Split Fiction, recently took to social media to engage with fans and address misconceptions about his stance on single-player games. Contrary to some fans' beliefs, Fares clarified that he has never claimed single-player games are dead. He proudly pointed out that Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013), one of Hazelight's most acclaimed titles, was a purely single-player experience.
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Fares emphasized that while Hazelight is renowned for its cooperative gameplay DNA, the studio remains open to crafting a single-player game that echoes their previous successes. "We're not excluding it," he affirmed, showcasing Hazelight's willingness to explore diverse gameplay styles in the future.
In addition, Fares addressed the backlash surrounding the decision to feature two female protagonists in Split Fiction. Some fans have questioned whether this choice pushes a feminist agenda. However, Fares countered this by highlighting the diversity in Hazelight's past games, which have featured various pairings: two brothers in Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, two men in A Way Out, and a male-female duo in It Takes Two. Despite these precedents, the choice of two women as leads in Split Fiction has stirred controversy.
Fares defended his creative decisions by stating that the characters were inspired by his daughters and stressed his focus on compelling storytelling and well-developed characters over physical attributes. "I don’t care what’s between someone’s legs—it’s about crafting great characters," he stated firmly.
Split Fiction, which was released on March 6th, has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay mechanics and diverse scenarios. Prior to its launch, system requirements were shared, ensuring that players are well-informed about what they need to fully experience Hazelight's latest masterpiece.
