Hazelight llama a EA 'socio bueno' en su nuevo juego

Hazelight Studios, under the visionary leadership of director Josef Fares, continues to cement its legacy as one of the most innovative and artistically driven game developers in modern gaming. With Split Fiction—their latest co-op masterpiece—selling 2 million copies within just seven days and earning a 9/10 from IGN, the studio has once again proven that emotional storytelling, inventive mechanics, and unparalleled player collaboration can dominate both critical acclaim and commercial success.

Fares’ recent appearance on the Friends Per Second podcast offered fans a rare, candid glimpse into the studio’s creative engine and future ambitions. Though he remains tight-lipped about the specifics of Hazelight’s next project—citing that development only began about a month ago—he confirmed with unwavering enthusiasm that the team is already fully immersed in the early conceptual phase.

"Once a game is out, I feel I'm done with it. My focus shifts immediately to 'What's next?'"

This mindset reflects a studio that doesn’t rest on past glories. Even as Split Fiction celebrates its rapid rise, Fares is laser-focused on what comes next—an energy that's contagious and deeply rooted in Hazelight’s identity: creative freedom, emotional resonance, and the belief that video games are a powerful art form.

A Partnership Built on Trust, Not Control

One of the most striking revelations from Fares’ interview is how he dismantles common misconceptions about studio-publisher dynamics, particularly in light of EA’s often controversial reputation. Despite being a major publisher, EA has had absolutely no creative control over Hazelight’s output—something Fares emphasizes with deliberate clarity:

"They have zero—and I mean zero—say in what we decide to create next."

This isn't just PR spin. It's a testament to a relationship built on mutual respect and creative autonomy. Hazelight doesn’t pitch ideas to EA for approval. Instead, they announce, “We’re making this,” and EA backs them as a supportive partner. As Fares puts it:

"They’re a supporter, not a director."

This model stands in stark contrast to industry norms where publishers frequently meddle in narrative or design choices. Hazelight’s success—with A Way Out, It Takes Two, and now Split Fiction—hasn’t just been financial; it’s been a blueprint for how creative independence and publisher collaboration can coexist.

Why Fans Should Be Excited (And Patient)

While the next Hazelight title remains shrouded in mystery, the hints are promising:

• Development began roughly a month ago, suggesting a fast start to a new cycle.
• Hazelight’s typical 3–4 year development window means fans can expect a full reveal within the next two to three years.
• The studio has already achieved a level of acclaim that few reach—especially with a game that sold 1 million copies in 48 hours.

And yet, Fares insists:

"There's a reason I can't discuss the next game—it's simply too early."

This isn’t just hesitation. It’s intentional preservation of creative energy. Hazelight thrives on surprise, innovation, and emotional impact—qualities that can’t be rushed or diluted.

The Bigger Picture: Hazelight’s Legacy

What makes Hazelight truly special is their commitment to cooperative gameplay as more than a mechanic—it’s a philosophy. Their games don’t just feature co-op; they celebrate it as a shared emotional journey. Whether it’s two prisoners escaping together, two estranged parents navigating a fractured marriage, or two souls unraveling a metaphysical mystery in Split Fiction, the core is always connection.

With It Takes Two selling 20 million copies by October 2024, and Split Fiction already nearing 2 million sales in a week, Hazelight is no longer just a studio—it’s a cultural force shaping how the world sees video games.

And now, as Fares says with a grin:

"We started work on this roughly a month ago."

The world is waiting.

🎮 Final Thought:
If Hazelight’s past three games are any indication, their next title won’t just be a game—it’ll be an experience. A story. A feeling. And when it finally arrives, it might just be the most talked-about game of the decade.

For now, we can only say:
Stay patient. Stay excited. And trust Josef Fares—he’s not done surprising us yet.