Josef Fares Teases Next Project: “Better Than Split Fiction” and a Trio Mystery
You know that specific kind of chaos you only get with a Hazelight game? That moment in It Takes Two where you’re screaming at your friend because they can’t time a jump, or the sheer “what is happening” energy of Split Fiction?
It’s a feeling few studios can replicate. They don’t just build co-op mechanics; they build relationships (and occasionally destroy them). Well, grab your controllers and maybe find a third friend. Josef Fares is teasing his next project, and the math seems to be changing.
The Photo That Sparked the Rumors
If you follow Fares on X (formerly Twitter), you probably saw the post on Tuesday. It looks innocent enough at first glance—just the director standing with some motion capture actors.
But look closer.
There are three actors in suits. And in classic troll fashion, Fares has strategically placed his arm to obscure the face of the third person. Internet detectives are already losing their minds trying to identify the mystery actor by their shoes or posture, but the real question is about the gameplay.
Hazelight has built its empire on the power of two. A Way Out, It Takes Two, and last year’s Split Fiction were all strictly duet performances.
Is the studio finally breaking its golden rule? A three-player dynamic would completely shift the puzzle design. No more perfectly balanced see-saws; we might be looking at a “third wheel” mechanic or a chaotic trio setup.
Next game in the making 👍😎 pic.twitter.com/HouYcN903E
— Josef Fares (@josef_fares) February 10, 2026
“Better Than Split Fiction”
While the photo leaves us guessing, Fares hasn’t been shy about the quality of the project.
In a candid chat with The Game Business last month, he dropped one of his signature hype quotes: “I can easily say that our next game is better than Split Fiction.”
Considering Split Fiction moved 4 million units in just two months, that’s a heavy promise. But if anyone has earned the right to be cocky, it’s him.
He also touched on the studio’s philosophy, which he colorfully describes as a “fk st up” mentality. Basically, they refuse to play it safe. Whether it’s the story or the mechanics, they want to push boundaries without worrying about what the rest of the industry is doing.
"I feel extremely confident of everything we’re doing. I can easily say that our next game is better than Split Fiction.”https://t.co/NUtzuY6fUM
— The Game Business (@thegamebusiness) January 14, 2026
Also learn if Split Fiction is the perfect game to play this Valentine!
Ignoring the Industry Noise
One of the most refreshing things about Fares is his refusal to chase trends. Right now, everyone is talking about the rise of “AA” games or getting scared of big budgets.
Fares doesn’t care.
“I would not be able to live without a AAA title,” he said, defending the need for massive blockbusters like GTA while still praising innovation. He’s also not interested in the stock market or corporate greed.
He confirmed Hazelight will never go public because he refuses to make “stupid decisions” just to make a graph go up. Even his relationship with EA—often painted as the villain of gaming—is surprisingly wholesome. He claims they let Hazelight do whatever they want.
A Trio or a Trick?
So, where does that leave us? We have a studio at the top of its game, a director who loves to mess with us, and a photo that suggests a major gameplay shift. Maybe the third actor is just an NPC. Maybe it’s a villain.
Or maybe, just maybe, we’re about to get the first defining three-player co-op adventure of this generation.
In Conclusion: Three’s a Crowd (or a Party)
We’ll likely have to wait a bit longer for a concrete reveal. Split Fiction is barely a year old, so the next title is still cooking.But one thing is certain: whatever Hazelight is building, it won’t be boring.
Start scouting your friend group now. You might need an extra player soon, and you definitely don’t want to be the one stuck watching from the sidelines.
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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