Hazelight Studios has continued to build a strong reputation in the gaming industry with its focus on creative couch co-op experiences, and its latest release, Split Fiction, has cemented the studio’s place among the top developers of 2025. The game received widespread acclaim, earning nominations at The Game Awards, the DICE Awards, and the Golden Joysticks, and was highlighted by Wccftech as one of the best games of the year. Speaking in a recent interview with The Game Business, Hazelight’s creative director Josef Fares expressed confidence that the studio’s next project will surpass the success of Split Fiction. He emphasized that the studio’s continuous growth and the culture of collaboration fostered over the years have made the team confident in taking creative risks.
Fares reflected on the culture at Hazelight, noting that the studio has maintained a core team of 80 people since its debut game, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. This stability, he said, has allowed the team to grow together while embracing a mindset he describes as “f*** s*** up mentality, without f***ing up.” According to Fares, this approach encourages developers to break free from self-imposed limitations and explore the full range of creative possibilities. He explained that fostering this mentality involves guiding team members gently, challenging conventional ideas, and encouraging them to experiment with new concepts. The result is a collaborative environment in which innovation thrives, producing games that are both unique and engaging.
Hazelight’s commercial performance has matched its critical success. Split Fiction sold four million copies at launch, while its previous title, It Takes Two, reached over 20 million copies by March 2025. Fares attributes this success to the studio’s focus on what is best for the game rather than following trends or relying on data-driven decisions aimed solely at sales. He highlighted the balance between creativity and business considerations as essential to maintaining the integrity of the studio’s games. Fares stressed that while business factors are important, prioritizing player experience and innovative game design has allowed Hazelight to achieve both critical and commercial recognition.
On the topic of generative AI, Fares expressed cautious optimism, noting that while AI can assist in executing a creative vision, it cannot replace the human imagination needed to develop a game’s core concept. He referenced tools like Midjourney as examples of AI that impressed upon release but have not drastically advanced over time. Fares underscored that successful games still require vision and direction from creative developers. While AI may support certain aspects of development, Hazelight intends to rely on its established approach of hands-on creativity and iterative design to deliver games that stand out in the co-op and broader gaming market.
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