Hazelight's Next Act: Fares Teases a New Spell, But What Sort of Magic Are We Brewing?
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Josef Fares has confirmed Hazelight's next game is in development, teasing the project with a mysterious mocap studio photo after the colossal success of *Split Fiction*, leaving us all wondering what groundbreaking co-op magic they're brewing next.
Right, so you know that feeling when a game studio drops a bombshell, but it's more like a subtle wink and a nod, rather than a full-blown explosive reveal? That’s pretty much the vibe we're getting from Josef Fares and the brilliant minds at Hazelight Studios. After the absolutely blinding success of *Split Fiction* – a game that apparently cast a charm on critics and players alike – Fares has confirmed that their next big adventure is officially in the works. And honestly, mate, my wizarding senses are tingling with curiosity.
Fares, the charismatic chap behind games like *Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons* and the multi-award-winning *It Takes Two*, isn't one for quiet announcements. Remember his legendary 'f*ck the Oscars' rant? Good times. But this time, the reveal was a bit more cryptic, a casual tweet from his personal account showing him in a mocap studio. There he was, looking like a digital puppeteer, his arm artfully obscuring three other actors decked out in those snazzy ball-covered suits. The accompanying caption? A simple, yet potent, "Next game in the making."
Now, for those of us who've been following Hazelight's trajectory, this isn't exactly a shocker. Their last venture, *Split Fiction*, exploded onto the scene like a perfectly aimed fireball. We're talking two million copies sold in its first week, with a cool million shifted within the first 48 hours. Fair dinkum, that’s not just success; that’s sorcerous levels of market dominance for a co-op game. Even EA, a company not exactly known for showering indie darlings with unbridled praise (unless their quarterly reports look good, obviously), gave *Split Fiction* its 'flowers' during a financial call. Imagine that – a game designed purely for two people to play together, being heralded as a key player in a strong financial quarter alongside a giant like *EA Sports FC 25*. It just goes to show what genuine innovation and a clear creative vision can achieve, even in a landscape often dominated by loot boxes and battle passes.
But what *do* we know about this mysterious new project? Well, precious little, which is exactly why my inner digital detective is working overtime. We're told Hazelight started brewing this particular potion in early 2025, and Fares himself is apparently "super, super excited" about it. Which, coming from a man who lives and breathes gaming, means it's probably got some seriously wild ideas bubbling under the surface. This isn't just enthusiasm; this is Fares-level enthusiasm, which often translates to mechanics we've never seen before and stories that twist your perception of gaming.
And here’s where it gets even more interesting, and a touch wonderfully chaotic: the *only* people outside of Hazelight who know more details are those who managed to conquer *Split Fiction*'s incredibly hard secret level. Bloody hell, talk about an exclusive club! Imagine the dedication – not just playing through a fantastic co-op game, but then pushing through some arcane, secret challenge just to get a sneak peek at what's next. It’s like a hidden quest in real life, a meta-game of sorts. This isn't just a development update; it's a testament to their community engagement, a clever little nod to their most dedicated players. It makes you wonder what kind of lore-breaking, dimension-hopping feats were required to unlock that tidbit. Was it a boss fight against a sentient spreadsheet? A timed puzzle involving a dozen different controllers? My curiosity levels are through the roof!
This approach really speaks to Hazelight's philosophy. They're not just making games; they're crafting experiences that fundamentally challenge how we play. *It Takes Two* showed us how to weave an emotional story through truly intertwined co-op mechanics. *Split Fiction*, by all accounts, pushed that inventiveness even further, with Eurogamer's Katherine Castle describing it as "fantastic from start to finish... one of the most inventive and joyful co-op games to date, and a testament to the power of human imagination." That’s high praise, and it sets the bar astronomically high for whatever comes next.
So, what could this new game be? Another dedicated co-op adventure, almost certainly. That's Hazelight's bread and butter, their unique arcane art. But what form will it take? Will it be another fantastical journey through warring parents' minds, or something entirely different? The mocap studio hint is intriguing. Are they going for hyper-realistic character animation? Perhaps a more narrative-heavy game than before, relying on nuanced performances? The obscured actors could mean anything – new IP, a surprising celebrity cameo, or just Fares being Fares, adding to the mystique.
What I'm genuinely excited about is the potential for them to once again flip the script on what a co-op game can be. In an industry often chasing solo player metrics or competitive esports, Hazelight continues to champion the shared experience, the joy of playing side-by-side with a friend, partner, or even a random stranger. It's about genuine connection, about working together to overcome digital obstacles. And frankly, that's a kind of magic we could all use a bit more of.
Of course, there's always that gentle skepticism. Following up a 'blinding success' can be a perilous path. The pressure to innovate, to not just repeat but to evolve, is immense. Will they stick to the formula that worked, or will they throw caution to the wind and try something completely new and potentially risky? Given Fares' track record, I'm betting on the latter. He's a digital wizard who seems to thrive on pushing boundaries and occasionally blowing holes through conventional game design.
Whatever this new game turns out to be, one thing is clear: Hazelight isn't resting on its laurels. They're back in the lab, brewing up something undoubtedly unique, something that will almost certainly demand a player two. And for that, mate, I'm super, super excited too. Let the speculation commence, and may your secret level skills be ever sharp!
*Original insights provided by Connor Makar, Eurogamer (February 10, 2026).*
Tags: Hazelight Studios, Josef Fares, Co-Op Gaming, Game Development, Indie Success
Original article: Eurogamer