It all began at The Game Awards 2017 when the director of Hazelight Studios, Josef Fares, made a bold statement that left a lasting impression. In an advertisement-heavy show, his "Fuck the Oscars" comment was both humorous and thought-provoking. After this profanity-laden yet innocuous speech, a new gameplay trailer for the 2018 co-op game, A Way Out, was introduced.
Hazelight Studios' Journey from Controversy to Glory
A Tale of Two Girls
Split Fiction follows two young writers, Zoe and Mio, who aspire to get their stories published and encounter a corporation specializing in simulation. Their technology allows users to play out their stories in a simulation, but things take a terrifying turn. Zoe is a fantasy writer, and Mio pens sci-fi. Their simulations become intertwined, forcing them to find a way out of their respective worlds.It's interesting to note that Zoe and Mio are actually the names of Fares's daughters. He clarifies that it's not based on their personalities. "They're four and two, so it's not that," Fares says. "I just love my daughters, and it felt natural. Having two women as the main characters is great. Plus, Mio and Zoe are really cool names."Unique Gameplay Mechanics
Split Fiction sees the sisters Mio and Zeo bouncing between sci-fi and fantasy themed levels. It's an action platformer where two players each control Zoe and Mio. Levels have either a sci-fi or fantasy theme, each with its own gameplay mechanic. Zoe can attach to walls, while Mio can break herself down into spider-like particles to go through vents. In another area, Zoe has a tether to remove covers off switches, and Mio's lightsaber-esque sword hits them. The way their separate abilities work together to solve puzzles is incredibly satisfying. There's a huge amount of variation that keeps players engaged.For example, in one sci-fi level, Zoe and Mio are shaped like spheres, reminiscent of a Metroid game. In another fantasy area, they face different challenges. The game also features side stories that are thematically opposite to the level's tone. In Mio's sci-fi levels, the side stories are fantasy-themed, and vice versa. These side stories are cleverly integrated into the main story, adding depth and variety.Aesthetic Inspiration
Aesthetically, the sci-fi levels are reminiscent of the neon look of Tron, while the fantasy zones look similar to games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023) or Immortals: Fenyx Rising (2020). "Play through the game, and you'll see there's so much to it," Fares explains. "We love to give homage to games we love, so there will be references to other games."Tackling Challenges
In It Takes Two, players had fun mini-games to relieve the stress of co-op puzzles. In Split Fiction, the concept is taken further with its side stories. Players can find mini-games scattered throughout the game, adding another layer of enjoyment.Fares says the most challenging part of making a game with so many unique mechanics is ensuring they feel precise. "Players expect each mechanic to feel good," he explains. "It's easy to prototype a mechanic, but it needs to be polished. Most gamers don't realize the amount of work that goes into making these mechanics feel great."The Game Awards and In-Person Shows
Over the past decade, the video game industry has shifted towards digital showcases. However, Fares sees the value in in-person shows like the Game Awards. Millions of people watch it, and there's a palpable energy in the room."It's way more fun to showcase something with an audience. It's different than just a showcase," he says. "You want that interaction with them, and that's why I love The Game Awards. It's a great place to show something."Earlier this week, Hazelight posted a teaser video for Split Fiction's announcement at the Game Awards 2024. The developer is hyping up the new title. "A lot of people say I'm cocky, but it's impossible not to be when you have a game like this," Fares says. "You'll see when you play it."Split Fiction is set to release on March 6, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.READ MORE