The beloved cooperative platformer It Takes Two, which captivated players and critics alike upon its release in 2021, was not always the vibrant, heartfelt adventure it is known as today. In a fascinating revelation leading up to its 10th-anniversary celebrations, developer Hazelight Studios pulled back the curtain on the game's surprisingly somber and gritty initial conception. The studio shared a series of early concept images from 2018, showcasing a version of the game steeped in a much darker, more haunting aesthetic. These glimpses into the past reveal a stark contrast to the final product's whimsical, cartoonish style, highlighting a significant creative evolution during its development journey.
From 'Project Nuts' to a Lighter Tone
During its formative stages, the project operated under the internal codename 'Project Nuts.' This moniker was more than just a placeholder; it was deeply embedded in the game's original visual identity. The logo for 'Project Nuts' itself was a treasure trove of thematic clues, with its lettering intricately designed to incorporate hardware elements like fixed screws, a magnet, a hammer, and pieces of a gear. This emphasis on tools wasn't merely decorative. It hinted at core gameplay mechanics centered around repair, construction, and manipulation—themes that would eventually become central to the puzzle-solving and platforming in the final version of It Takes Two. The development team had clearly conceptualized the crucial role of tools and DIY ingenuity from the very beginning, even if the world surrounding those mechanics would undergo a dramatic transformation.
Examining the Early, Eerie Artwork
The concept art released by Hazelight paints a picture of a profoundly different narrative atmosphere. Instead of the charmingly miniature parents Cody and May, the early designs featured character models resembling ominous black voodoo dolls and metallic, robotic creatures. One particularly striking image depicts a doll-like figure with a nail hammered through its head, evoking a sense of distress and macabre puppetry. Another shows a sinister tin spider, suggesting enemy designs or environmental hazards with a much creepier disposition. These visual concepts aligned the project more closely with the atmospheric, side-scrolling horrors of games like Limbo and Inside, known for their bleak, monochromatic worlds and themes of isolation.
Further concept images expanded on this desolate setting:
-
Deserted Workshops: Scenes showed dilapidated structures and platforms littered with abandoned tools, creating a sense of a forgotten or broken world.
-
A Mysterious Figure: One piece featured a bleak-looking young girl with her back turned to the viewer. This character is widely speculated by fans to be an early, more melancholic interpretation of Rose, the couple's daughter whose emotional distress catalyzes the entire story.
The pervasive motif of tools—nails, rulers, hammers, screws—was evident throughout these early visuals, proving that this was a foundational pillar of the game's identity, regardless of its shifting tonal palette.
The Pivot to Success and Lasting Legacy
The decision to steer away from this darker vision proved to be a masterstroke. Upon its release in March 2021, It Takes Two was met with universal acclaim, praised for its inventive co-op gameplay, emotional storytelling, and colorful, imaginative worlds. It didn't just win over players; it dominated the awards circuit, most notably seizing the Game of the Year title at The Game Awards 2021. Its success cemented Hazelight Studios' reputation as a master of narrative-driven cooperative experiences, following their previous hit, A Way Out.
| Aspect | Original Concept ('Project Nuts') | Final Game (It Takes Two) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Tone | Dark, gritty, monochrome influences | Bright, colorful, cartoonish |
| Character Design | Voodoo dolls, metallic creatures | Expressive, miniature human figures |
| Comparable Games | Limbo, Inside | Pixar films, classic platformers |
| Central Theme | Melancholy, repair of a broken world | Healing relationships, joyful adventure |
The game's enduring popularity is a testament to this creative pivot. Years later, it remains a staple recommendation for friends and couples seeking a shared gaming adventure. The revealed concept art sparked lively discussions within the community, with some fans expressing curiosity about the 'what if' of the darker version, while others humorously petitioned for a sequel with comments like, "Please make It Takes Three."
Looking to the Future: Hazelight's Next Chapter
As of 2026, the legacy of It Takes Two continues to shine brightly. Its journey from a dark concept named 'Project Nuts' to a genre-defining cooperative masterpiece is a compelling case study in game development evolution. Hazelight Studios demonstrated remarkable flexibility and vision in refining their idea into a product that resonated with a global audience. Having now delivered two consecutive, critically acclaimed story-focused co-op games, the gaming world eagerly anticipates the studio's next project. Will they return to the co-op well, or venture into new genres? Whatever path they choose, the lessons learned from transforming a bleak concept into a joyful phenomenon will undoubtedly inform their future creations. The story of It Takes Two is ultimately one of successful metamorphosis, proving that sometimes, the brightest joys can emerge from the darkest of initial sketches.