Hazelight Studios Starts New Game After Split Fiction Success

Hazelight Studios, the creators of the popular game Split Fiction, have started working on a brand new game. Studio head Josef Fares confirmed that the team is excited about this new project. More details about the game will come later.
By Newsroom | Video Games, Game Development |

Developers at Hazelight Studios have officially begun work on their next video game project. This announcement follows the recent critical and commercial success of their latest title, Split Fiction. Studio head Josef Fares confirmed the development is underway, stating that the team is "fully focused and excited" about the new endeavor.

Background

Split Fiction, released on March 6, 2025, has garnered significant acclaim, with multiple sources reporting it as Hazelight's best-received game to date. The title achieved a peak of 259,003 concurrent players on Steam shortly after its launch, making it a notable release for publisher EA. The game is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

After the blinding success of Split Fiction, Josef Fares confirms Hazelight's next game is officially in development - 1

Development of New Project

According to Josef Fares, work on the next Hazelight title began approximately one month prior to the confirmation, which was made around mid-March 2025. This indicates an immediate transition from Split Fiction's completion to the initiation of new development. Fares mentioned in interviews that he typically moves on to new projects shortly after a game's release.

Read More: Arc Raiders Game Is Very Popular After Launch

After the blinding success of Split Fiction, Josef Fares confirms Hazelight's next game is officially in development - 2

Key Information

  • Hazelight Studios is actively developing a new game.

  • Development began around one month before mid-March 2025.

  • The announcement follows the success of Split Fiction.

Early Stage Planning

While development has started, Fares characterized the project as being in its "quite early" stages. He described having a document of approximately 130 pages detailing the core elements, including storyline, some gameplay mechanics, and the character's journey. He also indicated a development cycle of three to four years for their projects, suggesting further details will emerge over time.

After the blinding success of Split Fiction, Josef Fares confirms Hazelight's next game is officially in development - 3

Developer-Publisher Relationship

Fares clarified Hazelight's relationship with EA, their publisher. He stated that Hazelight does not formally pitch projects to EA, implying a level of creative autonomy. He described EA as a "good partner" that respects their work.

After the blinding success of Split Fiction, Josef Fares confirms Hazelight's next game is officially in development - 4

Developer Perspective

  • The team is "super happy" with Split Fiction's reception.

  • Fares is "fully focused and excited" about the next project.

  • Hazelight does not "pitch" projects to EA, who are seen as a "good partner."

Unveiling the Next Game

Details regarding the title, theme, or genre of the new game remain undisclosed. Fares has indicated that discussions have only recently begun, contributing to the lack of specifics. However, in a unique engagement strategy, two players who complete a particularly challenging secret in Split Fiction will be invited to Sweden for an early look at the upcoming title.

Read More: New Warlock Class Added to Diablo 2: Resurrected After 25 Years

Future Outlook

  • Specifics of the new game are not yet public.

  • A select few players will get an early preview in Sweden.

  • The studio's development timeline for new games is typically three to four years.

Expert Commentary

Analysis of Hazelight's approach suggests a consistent pattern of rapid project initiation post-release. This rapid transition, coupled with a seemingly strong creative partnership with EA, allows the studio to maintain momentum. The emphasis on early conceptualization, as evidenced by the 130-page document, points to a structured yet flexible development process.

Developer Practices

  • Swift Transition: Work begins on new projects soon after previous titles launch.

  • Creative Control: Hazelight appears to maintain significant autonomy over project direction.

  • Structured Planning: Detailed foundational documents guide early development.

Conclusion

Hazelight Studios has embarked on the development of its next game, a move confirmed by studio head Josef Fares. This initiative follows the significant success of Split Fiction, indicating the studio's commitment to continuous creation. While concrete details about the new project are scarce, its early-stage planning and the studio's established development cadence suggest a release within the next three to four years. The studio's proactive approach, combined with a cooperative relationship with publisher EA, positions Hazelight to continue its trajectory in the gaming industry.

Sources

Read More: New Game 'Zero Parades' Looks Like 'Disco Elysium', Studio Says It's the Same People

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Has Hazelight Studios started working on a new game?
Yes, Hazelight Studios has officially started development on a new video game.
Q: When did work on the new game begin?
Work on the new game started about one month before mid-March 2025.
Q: What is the new game about?
The details of the new game, like its name or type, are not known yet.
Q: When will we know more about the new game?
The studio head, Josef Fares, said the game is in its early stages. It will likely take three to four years to finish, so more details will be shared over time.