Josef Fares Hints at Future Single-Player Game

Josef Fares, the visionary behind Hazelight Studios and the creative force behind the cooperative adventure game Split Fiction, recently took to social media to address fan concerns and clarify past statements. Amidst discussions, one fan accused Fares of previously claiming that single-player games were a dying breed. However, Fares swiftly corrected this misconception, emphasizing that Hazelight has always valued diverse gameplay experiences. He highlighted that their acclaimed title, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013), is a testament to their commitment to single-player narratives.

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Fares elaborated on Hazelight's future, stating that while the studio is renowned for its cooperative gameplay DNA, they remain open to creating a single-player game that aligns with their previous works. "We're not excluding it," he affirmed, signaling the studio's willingness to explore different gameplay styles moving forward.

Furthermore, Fares addressed the controversy surrounding the choice of two female protagonists in Split Fiction. Critics questioned whether this decision was driven by a feminist agenda. Fares countered these claims by pointing out the diversity in his studio's past character pairings—from the two brothers in Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, to the male duo in A Way Out, and the male-female partnership in It Takes Two. Despite these precedents, the decision to feature two women as leads in Split Fiction drew significant attention.

He clarified that the characters in Split Fiction were inspired by his own daughters, underscoring his focus on crafting compelling stories and well-developed characters rather than focusing on their gender. "I don’t care what’s between someone’s legs—it’s about crafting great characters," Fares stated firmly.

Split Fiction, released on March 6th, has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay mechanics and diverse scenarios. Prior to its launch, Hazelight shared the system requirements, ensuring that players are well-informed about what they need to fully experience this latest masterpiece from the studio.