Josef Fares Hints at Possible Single-Player Game Future

Josef Fares, the visionary behind Hazelight Studios and the mastermind of the cooperative adventure game Split Fiction, recently took the time to engage with his fanbase, addressing misunderstandings and responding to critiques about his work. Contrary to some fans' beliefs, Fares clarified that he never proclaimed the demise of single-player games. He referenced Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013), a critically acclaimed single-player title from Hazelight, to underscore his point.

Image: comicbook.com

Fares emphasized that while Hazelight is renowned for its focus on cooperative gameplay, the studio remains open to developing single-player experiences in the future. "We’re not excluding it," he affirmed, indicating Hazelight's willingness to explore various gameplay formats.

In response to criticism over the inclusion of two female protagonists in Split Fiction, Fares addressed concerns about the game promoting feminism or reflecting a broader agenda. He pointed out Hazelight's history of diverse character pairings, including two brothers in Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, two men in A Way Out, and a male-female duo in It Takes Two. Despite this track record, the decision to feature two women as leads in Split Fiction drew significant attention.

Fares defended his creative choice by explaining that the characters were inspired by his daughters. He stressed the importance of storytelling and character development over physical attributes, stating, "I don’t care what’s between someone’s legs—it’s about crafting great characters."

Released on March 6th, Split Fiction has received widespread critical acclaim, praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and diverse scenarios. Prior to its launch, the game's system requirements were made public, ensuring players are well-informed about what they need to fully experience Hazelight's latest offering.