The video game development studio Hazelight, in partnership with publisher Electronic Arts, has announced that its cooperative title “It Takes Two” has sold over 10 million copies. Concurrently, Hazelight’s debut game, “A Way Out,” developed under its former studio name Split Fiction, has surpassed 7 million sales. The combined lifetime sales for the studio’s portfolio now exceed 50 million units, a figure that includes downloads through the EA Play and Xbox Game Pass subscription services.
Studio Leadership and Creative Vision
Hazelight is led by Josef Fares, a filmmaker turned game director known for his strong advocacy for the artistic value of video games. The studio specializes in creating narrative-driven games designed exclusively for cooperative play, requiring two players to work together to progress. This design philosophy has become a hallmark of their work, distinguishing them in the broader gaming market.
The sales milestone was confirmed through official announcements on Hazelight’s social media channels. The studio expressed gratitude to its player community for their support, which has fueled the success of its unique projects. Electronic Arts, as the publisher for both titles, also highlighted the achievement as a testament to innovative game design.
Breakdown of Commercial Performance
“It Takes Two,” released in March 2021, is the studio’s most significant commercial success to date. The game has received widespread critical acclaim, winning numerous awards including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021. Its sales momentum has remained strong years after its initial launch.
“A Way Out,” released in 2018, was a breakthrough title that established the studio’s reputation. It was notably offered as part of the EA Play subscription service shortly after launch, which contributed significantly to its player reach. The 50 million unit figure encompasses full game sales, subscription service engagements, and any promotional distribution that involves player participation.
Industry Context and Significance
This sales achievement is notable within the industry for a studio focused on a specific, non-traditional genre. Hazelight’s success demonstrates a sustained market for deeply collaborative, story-focused gaming experiences outside of mainstream blockbuster franchises. The inclusion of subscription service data reflects the evolving business models in game distribution, where access metrics are increasingly important alongside traditional sales.
The milestone solidifies Hazelight’s position as a leading independent studio under the EA Originals label, a program designed to support unique creative visions. The commercial performance provides validation for the cooperative-only design approach, suggesting a dedicated and sizable audience for such experiences.
Future Developments and Expectations
Hazelight has confirmed it is actively developing its next project. While specific details about the upcoming game remain undisclosed, Josef Fares has stated it will continue the studio’s tradition of innovative cooperative gameplay. The team is building upon the technology and design lessons learned from their previous titles.
Industry observers expect an official reveal of the new project within the next 12 to 18 months, based on typical development cycles. The strong foundation established by “It Takes Two” and “A Way Out” sets high expectations for the studio’s future output, with the player base likely anticipating another genre-defining cooperative experience.
Source: Hazelight Studios Announcement
