"Hazelight's Josef Fares Hints at Future Single-Player Game"

Josef Fares, the visionary behind Hazelight Studios and the mind behind the cooperative adventure Split Fiction, recently took the opportunity to engage with fans, clarifying past statements and addressing criticisms related to his work. A fan accused him of claiming the death of single-player games, a notion Fares firmly debunked. He highlighted that Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013), one of Hazelight's most acclaimed titles, was entirely a single-player experience.

Image: comicbook.com

Fares went on to explain that while Hazelight is renowned for its cooperative focus, the studio remains open to exploring other gameplay styles. "We're not excluding it," he affirmed, indicating a willingness to consider a single-player game akin to their previous successes.

Addressing criticism over the inclusion of two female protagonists in Split Fiction, Fares responded to fans questioning whether this choice was a push for feminism or part of a broader agenda. He reminded critics of Hazelight's history of diverse character pairings, from the two brothers in Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, two men in A Way Out, to the male-female duo in It Takes Two. Despite this track record, the decision to feature two women as leads in Split Fiction drew particular scrutiny.

Fares emphasized that the characters in Split Fiction were inspired by his daughters, underscoring his focus on crafting compelling narratives and well-rounded characters. "I don’t care what’s between someone’s legs—it’s about crafting great characters," he stated, prioritizing storytelling and character development over biological traits.

Split Fiction, 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 to ensure players are well-prepared to experience Hazelight's latest masterpiece.