Josef Fares, the visionary behind Hazelight Studios and the mind behind the cooperative adventure Split Fiction, recently took time to connect with fans, addressing misconceptions and responding to critiques about his work. A fan had misinterpreted Fares' earlier statements, accusing him of claiming the demise of single-player games. Fares swiftly corrected the record, emphasizing that he never made such a claim and highlighting Hazelight's critically acclaimed single-player title, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013).
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Fares further clarified Hazelight's stance on game development, noting that while the studio is renowned for its cooperative gameplay, they remain open to exploring single-player experiences. "We're not excluding it," he affirmed, signaling the studio's willingness to experiment with different gameplay styles moving forward.
In response to feedback regarding the choice of two female protagonists in Split Fiction, Fares addressed concerns about whether this decision was a nod to feminism or part of a larger agenda. He reminded fans of Hazelight's history of diverse 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 this track record, the decision to feature two women as leads in Split Fiction drew significant attention and criticism.
Fares explained that the characters in Split Fiction were inspired by his own daughters, and his primary focus is on creating compelling narratives and well-developed characters. "I don't care what's between someone's legs—it's about crafting great characters," he stated firmly, prioritizing storytelling over biological attributes.
Split Fiction, which was released today, March 6th, has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative gameplay mechanics and diverse scenarios. Prior to its launch, system requirements were clearly communicated, ensuring that players are well-prepared to immerse themselves in Hazelight's latest masterpiece.
