Hazelight Studios has been on a roll, and with their latest offering, Split Fiction, they have added another feather to their cap. This Swedish developer is once again proving their mettle with a narrative that blends genres, weaving a story about trust and moving beyond the past. With Split Fiction, Hazelight showcases the depth of creativity within their team, tapping into a rich vein of imaginative new ideas.
Traveling between stunning fantasy realms and ultra-cool sci-fi environments, Split Fiction offers a truly unique experience. However, this also poses a challenge for Hazelight, as many fans were eager to see if this game could match or surpass the beloved It Takes Two. While comparing the two is tough, it’s safe to say Split Fiction stands out for its creativity. Now, the success of their latest venture raises the stakes for whatever project Hazelight Studios decides to tackle next.
Split Fiction stands tall as a worthy successor to the critically acclaimed It Takes Two, armed with a robust storyline and engaging gameplay. In It Takes Two, players followed the poignant journey of Cody and May, a couple on the verge of divorce who were transformed into dolls and had to work together to mend their fractured relationship—a narrative so compelling it won the prestigious Game of the Year award in 2021. While some might have worried that Hazelight peaked with It Takes Two, Split Fiction assures us that the studio is teeming with creative genius.
Just like its predecessor, Split Fiction includes a Friend’s Pass, allowing two players to enjoy the game together with only one copy. Having successfully outdone themselves with Split Fiction, Hazelight now faces the even greater challenge of surpassing expectations again. In less than ten years, they have delivered three standout games, proving that cooperative play is a powerful platform for storytelling that demands teamwork for a common goal. Their noteworthy titles currently include:
– A Way Out (2018)
– It Takes Two (2021)
– Split Fiction (2025)
Hazelight has clearly found its niche with co-op narratives, leaving fans curious about what they will conjure up next. It’s certain to be another co-op title, but the studio will once again push its creative boundaries, making it an exciting development to anticipate. The acclaim Split Fiction is receiving from players and critics alike has set the stage for Hazelight Studios’ future endeavors and highlights the difficulty of following up such a hit.
In 2025, the gaming landscape is more competitive than ever, and Split Fiction has boldly thrown its hat into the ring. If Grand Theft Auto 6 is released as planned this year, the competition for Game of the Year will be fierce. Even so, Split Fiction has made a strong case for at least a nomination.
This latest release marks a significant achievement as the first EA-published game in 13 years to achieve a Metacritic score of 90 or higher. As one of this year’s top-reviewed releases, Split Fiction reaffirms the potency of co-op storytelling, and it will be fascinating to see if others in the industry take notice and follow suit. Hazelight Studios’ future might be uncertain, but they clearly face the thrilling challenge of delivering an even more imaginative and entertaining game next time around.
