The gaming world buzzed with excitement when Josef Fares and his team at Hazelight Studios ignited speculation about their next project through cryptic social media exchanges. On X, the visionary director and his studio engaged in playful banter hinting at a brand-new cooperative IP, immediately sending fans into detective mode. This tease follows the monumental success of their previous title, It Takes Two, which recently celebrated surpassing 20 million copies sold—a staggering achievement cementing Hazelight's reputation as masters of shared-narrative experiences. With a legacy built on redefining cooperative gameplay, every clue about this mysterious project feels like a puzzle piece waiting to unlock the next evolution of couch co-op adventures.
🔍 Hazelight's Cooperative Legacy
Hazelight Studios didn't just stumble upon success; they engineered it through innovative design. Their portfolio showcases a deliberate focus on forced-cooperation mechanics:
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It Takes Two (2021): A genre-defying masterpiece blending platforming, puzzles, and emotional storytelling that dominated awards seasons and shattered sales records.
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A Way Out (2018): A gritty prison-break narrative requiring seamless teamwork, proving split-screen co-op wasn't just nostalgic but revolutionary.
What makes these titles extraordinary isn't just commercial triumph—It Takes Two reached 10 million copies by early 2023 before doubling that milestone—but how they transform cooperation into emotional connection. Players don't just share screens; they share vulnerability, triumph, and laughter. This DNA ensures whatever emerges from Hazelight's next project will demand synchronized human collaboration at its core.
🧩 Decoding the Tease: Sticky Notes & Social Clues
When Fares tweeted about a "BRAND NEW IP called S * ***N," Hazelight Studios amplified the intrigue with a reply featuring an enigmatic image. Though blurred naming conventions fuel wild theories, the sticky-note visual offers tangible hints:
Key elements spotted by eagle-eyed fans include:
| Clue Location | Possible Meaning |
|---|---|
| Upper Left | "Co-op" label with superlatives suggesting groundbreaking multiplayer mechanics |
| Center Boxes | Three distinct rectangles hinting at dynamic split-screen configurations |
| Bottom Right | Abstract symbols potentially encoding gameplay mechanics or story themes |
| Upper Right | Stairs labeled "Mio" & "Zoe"—likely protagonist names for the new IP |
| Bottom Left | Pillar-like structures indicating platforming or environmental puzzles |
This visual breadcrumb trail suggests Hazelight is doubling down on physical co-presence mechanics while introducing fresh narrative leads. The alternating names Mio and Zoe already spark speculation about dual-perspective storytelling reminiscent of It Takes Two's Cody and May.
⏳ The Waiting Game: When Will We See More?
Historical patterns offer the strongest prediction model for Hazelight's reveal timeline. It Takes Two debuted at EA Play in June 2020, with gameplay surfacing six months later at The Game Awards—a venue Fares notably adores. Given his public camaraderie with host Geoff Keighley and the studio's tradition of grand unveilings, December's 2025 Game Awards emerges as the logical stage for this new IP's premiere. Until then, fans dissect every pixel of that sticky-note image while replaying Hazelight classics, knowing the wait will likely deliver another genre-redefining experience.
❓ People Also Ask
- Will Hazelight's new game support online co-op?
While split-screen remains their signature, A Way Out included online functionality—making hybrid accessibility probable.
- Could this new IP expand beyond consoles?
Given It Takes Two's multiplatform success, simultaneous PC and next-gen console releases seem inevitable.
- What distinguishes Hazelight's co-op design from competitors?
Their games mandate interdependence—you literally can't progress without partner synchronization—creating unscripted moments of camaraderie or hilarious failure.
🔄 Full Circle: The Anticipation Builds
Years after revolutionizing co-op storytelling, Hazelight Studios dangles a new mystery before players worldwide. Just as It Takes Two transformed mundane household objects into magical challenges, their teaser transforms blurry words and sticky notes into constellations of possibility. The studio's track record guarantees more than just another game—it promises a shared emotional journey. So while the cryptic X exchange fades from timelines, its echo grows louder: Josef Fares and his team are crafting another universe where players won't just play together, but truly need each other. December can't come soon enough.