Josef Fares, the creative force behind Hazelight Studios and the acclaimed cooperative adventure Split Fiction, recently addressed fan questions and criticisms surrounding his work. One fan accused him of prematurely declaring the death of single-player games, a claim Fares vehemently denied. He pointed to Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013), a critically lauded single-player title from Hazelight, as evidence to the contrary.
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Fares clarified that while Hazelight is known for its collaborative games, a return to single-player experiences isn't out of the question. "We’re not excluding it," he stated, emphasizing the studio's willingness to explore diverse gameplay styles.
He also addressed criticism regarding Split Fiction's two female protagonists. Some questioned whether this choice was a deliberate feminist statement or part of a broader agenda. Fares countered this by highlighting the diverse pairings in Hazelight's previous games: two brothers in Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, two men in A Way Out, and a male-female duo in It Takes Two. While these precedents exist, the casting of two women in Split Fiction sparked unique controversy.
Fares explained that the characters are inspired by his daughters and stressed that his focus remains on compelling narratives and well-developed characters, irrespective of gender. "I don’t care what’s between someone’s legs—it’s about crafting great characters," he stated.
Released on March 6th, Split Fiction has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay and diverse scenarios. System requirements were released beforehand, ensuring players were fully prepared to experience Hazelight's latest offering.
