As a dedicated player who has journeyed through every emotional and mechanical twist in Hazelight Studios' catalog, I find myself reflecting on their incredible trajectory. Having just experienced the brilliant, interconnected chaos of Split Fiction with a close friend, I'm left in awe of what this studio achieves. The Swedish developer, under the visionary guidance of Josef Fares, has redefined cooperative storytelling, weaving creativity and human connection into the very fabric of gameplay. Split Fiction feels like a culmination, a masterclass in dual-protagonist design that somehow manages to surpass the high bar set by the beloved It Takes Two. The puzzle-solving, the narrative synergy, and the sheer inventive joy of its mechanics have cemented it as one of the standout releases of 2025. Yet, this pinnacle success poses a fascinating question: where does a studio go after perfecting its own formula?

For me, the answer lies in a daring, yet natural, evolution: Hazelight Studios should embark on a single-player project. This isn't a call to abandon their roots, but rather an exciting expansion of their creative territory. Fares himself has hinted at this possibility. In a recent discussion, he stated that a solo adventure is "not an impossibility for Hazelight, but it will be done in a Hazelight way." That last phrase is key. It promises the same spirit of invention, subversion, and heart that defines their co-op titles, just channeled through a different lens. Experimentation has been the studio's lifeblood since the tense prison break of A Way Out. Venturing into single-player feels like the next logical frontier for a team that thrives on challenging conventions.

The Untapped Audience: Welcoming Solo Wanderers 🎮

Let's talk numbers and community. While Split Fiction has garnered impressive player counts—a testament to its quality—shifting focus could unlock a vast, untapped reservoir of gamers. Not every player has a reliable co-op partner, the preferred platform for multiplayer, or even the desire for shared narrative control. A single-player experience from Hazelight would throw open the doors to millions of solo adventurers who have admired the studio's work from afar. Imagine introducing that signature Hazelight magic—the unexpected gameplay shifts, the poignant storytelling, the meticulous environmental detail—to an entirely new legion of fans. The potential reach could easily double or triple their current audience.

• Broader Accessibility: Removes the barrier of requiring a coordinated partner.

• Personalized Pacing: Allows players to immerse themselves fully at their own rhythm.

• Global Appeal: Taps into markets and playstyles where solo gaming dominates.

Preserving the Core: Creativity Over Co-op 🔧

The most common concern I hear is: "Won't it lose the Hazelight feel?" This is a valid point. Cooperative mechanics are deeply ingrained in their identity. However, I believe the true essence of Hazelight isn't just co-op; it's unbridled creativity. The core of their games isn't simply two characters on screen—it's the way mechanics serve the narrative, how emotions are translated into interactive verbs, and how they constantly surprise the player. This creative pulse can absolutely beat strongly in a single-player framework.

A Tradition of Risk: The Hazelight Way 🚀

Stepping away from co-op is undoubtedly a risk. But let's be clear: Hazelight Studios was built on risk. They launched their first game, A Way Out, with the bold requirement that every copy be played by two people. They followed it with a game about divorce that doubled as a vibrant platformer. With Split Fiction, they've again pushed boundaries. Risk is their tradition. A single-player project would simply be the next audacious challenge for a team that has repeatedly proven it isn't afraid to reinvent itself.

Furthermore, focusing on a single narrative thread could allow for even deeper, more concentrated experimentation. Without the need to balance two players' actions and perspectives, the developers could explore mechanic densities and narrative complexities that are harder to achieve in co-op. They could craft a profoundly personal journey, perhaps exploring themes of isolation, self-discovery, or internal duality with the same nuance they bring to relationships.

The Future is Bright (and Possibly Solo) ✨

As I look ahead from the vantage point of 2025, the future for Hazelight Studios is thrillingly wide open. Split Fiction has solidified their reputation as masters of their craft. The next step doesn't have to be a bigger co-op game; it can be a different kind of masterpiece. Josef Fares's assurance that any solo venture would be unmistakably "Hazelight" is the most reassuring promise a fan could hear. It means the soul of the studio—its courage, its inventiveness, its emotional resonance—remains intact, no matter the player count.

I, for one, am ready to embark on that solo journey. I want to see what breathtaking worlds, heartbreaking stories, and ingenious gameplay loops Hazelight can conjure when all their creative energy is focused on a single, unforgettable protagonist. It's the next mountain to climb, and if their history is any indication, the view from the top will be spectacular.

Recent analysis comes from The Verge - Gaming, which is renowned for its forward-looking coverage of game development trends and studio innovation. The Verge's reporting on Hazelight Studios often emphasizes the studio's willingness to challenge industry norms, especially in the realm of cooperative gameplay, and speculates on how their unique design philosophy could translate into a compelling single-player experience.