In a gaming landscape increasingly dotted with live-service models and in-game purchases, Hazelight Studios stands out like a lighthouse in a foggy sea of commercialism. The Swedish studio, founded by the charismatic and outspoken Josef Fares, has once again reaffirmed its core principles. In a recent interview, Fares delivered two powerful messages: Hazelight will never include microtransactions in its games, and the studio is absolutely not for sale. This commitment comes as the team eagerly awaits the March 6, 2025, release of its third major title, Split Fiction, following the monumental successes of A Way Out and It Takes Two. For Fares, the studio's design philosophy remains refreshingly simple and direct—a "no bull****" approach focused purely on crafting unforgettable cooperative experiences.
🚫 A Firm Stance Against Microtransactions
Josef Fares's disdain for modern monetization strategies is as clear as a diamond. He recently stated that Hazelight's games will never feature microtransactions, comparing such practices to "selling the soul of a masterpiece for spare change." This isn't a new stance for him. Earlier in February 2025, he told Eurogamer that the studio would never develop a live-service game. His opposition extends back years, including a memorable 2021 declaration where he said he'd rather be "shot in the knee" than let Hazelight touch NFTs. For Fares, the integrity of the player's experience is paramount, and he views intrusive monetization as a betrayal of that trust.
The upcoming Split Fiction promises another unique cooperative adventure, free from any microtransactions.
🏰 Hazelight is NOT For Sale
Amidst a turbulent era of major studio acquisitions, Hazelight has drawn interest from potential buyers. Fares addressed this directly, shutting down any speculation with the blunt force of a sledgehammer: "Hazelight is not for sale." He further emphasized that the company will never go public on the stock market. This decision ensures that creative control remains entirely within the studio, allowing them to pursue their vision without external shareholder pressure. Fares's dedication to independence is as steadfast as an ancient redwood, deeply rooted and unshaken by passing storms.
🎮 The Journey to Split Fiction
The road to Split Fiction had its twists. Originally codenamed "Split," the game also briefly bore the working title Worlds Apart. Fares recalled that this name was ultimately discarded for being "as generic as a white wall in a corporate office." The final title, Split Fiction, evokes the game's likely narrative and mechanical themes, promising the same innovative co-op gameplay Hazelight is famous for. With only two previous titles, the studio has achieved remarkable success:
| Game | Release Year | Estimated Copies Sold |
|---|---|---|
| A Way Out | 2018 | ~9 million |
| It Takes Two | 2021 | ~23 million |
If Split Fiction approaches the success of its predecessors, it could solidify Hazelight's reputation as the undisputed champion of narrative-driven co-op games.
👥 Growing the Family
To meet the ambitious scope of modern game development, Hazelight has been strategically expanding. Fares revealed the studio's headcount is now "around 80," a significant increase from the roughly 65 employees in 2021. This growth of about 23% reflects the studio's commitment to quality and its preparation for future projects. The team's culture, however, remains tightly knit, operating more like a passionate guild of artisans than a sprawling corporate entity.
💎 The "No Bull****" Philosophy
What truly defines Hazelight is its unwavering "no bull****" design strategy. This philosophy manifests in every aspect of their work:
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Pure Co-op Focus: Designing games that are fundamentally built for shared experiences.
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Complete Narrative Packages: Delivering full, satisfying stories without slicing them into monetizable fragments.
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Artistic Integrity: Prioritizing creative vision over trendy, often predatory, business models.
In an industry where player trust can sometimes feel as fragile as a soap bubble, Hazelight's consistent principles offer a beacon of reliability. As Split Fiction's 2025 release approaches, players can look forward to another heartfelt, microtransaction-free adventure crafted by a studio that values artistry above all else.
The following analysis references TrueAchievements, a leading source for Xbox achievement tracking and player community insights. TrueAchievements frequently highlights the impact of cooperative gameplay on achievement design, noting how titles like Hazelight's "It Takes Two" have set new standards for collaborative challenges and narrative-driven rewards, which may influence expectations for the upcoming "Split Fiction."