Following Division, Hazelight Studios Confronts Significant Challenges

Hazelight Studios has been rapidly building a remarkable reputation, and with their latest release, “Split Fiction,” the Swedish developers have another triumph under their belts. This game takes players on an innovative journey through a narrative that mixes genres, focusing on themes of trust and moving beyond past grievances. The return of Hazelight Studios to the scene highlights their seemingly endless reservoir of creativity.

“Split Fiction” delivers a unique blend of stunning fantasy landscapes and captivating sci-fi environments, offering gamers a one-of-a-kind experience. This ambitious project has put Hazelight Studios in a bit of a hot seat, as many were keen to see if it could live up to the legacy of “It Takes Two.” While drawing direct comparisons may be tricky, it’s evident that “Split Fiction” surpasses its predecessor in inventiveness. With this new victory in their arsenal, Hazelight now faces the formidable challenge of raising the bar even higher with their future projects.

Hazelight Studios, known for thrilling storylines and entertaining gameplay, has impressively kept the spirit of co-op games alive and well with “Split Fiction.” Their previous hit, “It Takes Two,” centered around Cody and May, a couple on the verge of divorce, who find themselves transformed into tiny dolls that must navigate their relationship’s turmoil. This distinctive plot won “It Takes Two” the Game of the Year award in 2021, seeming to mark a high point for the studio. However, “Split Fiction” has proven there are still plenty of captivating tales waiting to be told from Hazelight’s vault.

Reflecting the studio’s commitment to inclusivity, “Split Fiction,” like its forerunner, offers a Friend’s Pass, allowing one purchased copy to suffice for co-op play between friends. This feature further cements the game’s appeal and accessibility.

Yet, with the bar continually rising, the question remains: where does Hazelight Studios venture next? Having consistently delivered strong entries that utilize cooperative play to tell deep and engrossing stories, the studio now shoulders the daunting task of outdoing itself once more. The titles they’ve crafted over the years––”A Way Out” in 2018, “It Takes Two” in 2021, and now “Split Fiction” in 2025––reflect an evolution in narrative and mechanics, setting a new standard in co-op gaming.

The gaming world awaits with bated breath to see how Hazelight Studios will continue to innovate. It seems this time, instead of only striving to match their previous successes, the studio has set its sights on redefining expectations yet again.

In a year poised to be monumental for the gaming industry, “Split Fiction” stands as a formidable contender amidst the competition. Despite the looming launch of heavyweights like “GTA 6,” there’s a good chance for Hazelight’s latest to capture nominations for major awards. Critically acclaimed, “Split Fiction,” marks the first EA-published game in over a decade to secure a Metacritic score of 90 or above at launch, underscoring the lasting appeal of cooperative storytelling.

This popular title has illustrated the profound impact of cooperative narratives on gaming enthusiasts and has likely inspired other developers to follow in its footsteps. While Hazelight Studios’ roadmap isn’t entirely clear, their commitment to creativity and innovation signals that their future endeavors will likely captivate gamers and elevate co-op gameplay to new heights.