Split Fiction Dev Calls EA a 'Good Partner' as Hazelight Begins Work on Next Game

Hazelight director Josef Fares recently clarified his studio's relationship with EA, and revealed that development on their next game is already underway. In a Friends Per Second podcast interview, Fares, known for his memorable "f** the Oscars" comment, discussed Hazelight's past, present, and future. Regarding the critically acclaimed Split Fiction*, he stated the team is already brainstorming early concepts for their next project.

He explained his post-release mentality, saying, "For me, personally, every time a game is out, I’m kind of done with it. …This has been a bit extra special. It’s been the best-received game we have done, but…I’m so fully-focused and excited on the next thing that we already have started." While he remained tight-lipped about specifics, citing the project's early stages (approximately one month into development), he confirmed Hazelight's commitment to a new title. He emphasized the studio's typical three-to-four-year development cycle, suggesting a release timeframe several years out. He added, "There is a reason why I can’t talk about the next game; it’s because it’s quite early…but just know this: we are very, very, very, very excited here."

Hazelight and EA: A Collaborative Partnership

Fares addressed Hazelight's seven-year relationship with EA, emphasizing the publisher's supportive role. He stated unequivocally, "EA is a supporter. We don’t pitch games to them. We say, ‘We’re going to do this.’ That’s it. They have zero, and I mean zero, thing to say about what we’re doing next." Despite EA's sometimes controversial reputation, Fares described the partnership as positive, stating, "They’re a good partner…They respect us. They respect what we do. I’m very clear with them that they cannot interfere with what we do. Now, we have become one of their most successful studios."

Split Fiction's success further cemented Hazelight's position. The game achieved impressive sales figures, surpassing 1 million copies in 48 hours and 2 million in a week, exceeding the early sales pace of its predecessor, It Takes Two (20 million copies sold as of October 2024).