**Hazelight Studios’ Upcoming Game: Industry Insider Shares Title and Fascinating Gameplay Insights**

Admirers of Hazelight Studios, the innovative team behind hit cooperative games like *Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons*, *A Way Out*, and *It Takes Two*, have been eagerly anticipating updates on the studio’s forthcoming endeavor. Last Thursday, Josef Fares, the writer and director of these cherished titles, took to his X (previously known as Twitter) account to hint at the new game. In his enigmatic message, Fares suggested that the upcoming title would be “S**** ******N,” igniting a flurry of speculation among fans and industry observers.

It wasn’t long before a trustworthy industry insider, *billbil-kun*, appeared to decode the hint. As per *billbil-kun*, the game’s title is likely *Split Fiction*, which aims to redefine co-op gaming experiences in thrilling new ways.

### A Fresh IP Featuring Dynamic Split-Screen Gameplay

Hazelight Studios’ official X account also shared a teaser image that has sparked additional speculation. The image, a plain sheet with the title “New IP” beneath the “Title” header, displayed a lengthy dash in place of the game’s name, along with a potential release timeframe of “202*.” Surrounding the document were sticky notes with various doodles, including sketches of screens being divided in different orientations. These illustrations have led enthusiasts and insiders to believe that the game will incorporate a dynamic split-screen mechanism, a signature aspect of Hazelight’s prior releases.

In *A Way Out* and *It Takes Two*, Hazelight Studios employed a vertical split-screen format to let two players engage with the game concurrently, even in online mode. However, the new illustrations indicate that *Split Fiction* might elevate this concept further. The designs showcase three distinct split-screen arrangements: horizontal, vertical, and diagonal, suggesting a more adaptable and dynamic approach to cooperative gameplay.

What adds to the intrigue is the potential for the screen to be partitioned into six segments, as hinted by a torn fragment of the teaser image. This could mean that *Split Fiction* will accommodate more than two players, potentially allowing as many as six players to enjoy the screen at the same time. Should this be accurate, it would mark a revolutionary step forward for the split-screen format, which has typically confined itself to two or four players in most titles.

### What Could *Split Fiction* Entail?

Although the title *Split Fiction* has not been officially validated, the name itself provides intriguing hints about the possible themes and dynamics of the game. Hazelight Studios is recognized for its robust storytelling focus, and the term “Fiction” in the title implies that narrative will again be pivotal. The “Split” segment of the title could refer not only to the split-screen gameplay but also to a narrative unfolding from multiple viewpoints, akin to *A Way Out* and *It Takes Two*.

In *A Way Out*, players embodied two escaped convicts, each with distinct storylines and gameplay mechanics. In *It Takes Two*, participants guided a married duo through a whimsical realm as they sought to repair their fractured relationship. Both titles leveraged split-screen elements to enhance storytelling, enabling players to experience various narrative facets simultaneously. It’s plausible that *Split Fiction* will expand on this premise, providing players with numerous interconnected narratives that evolve concurrently.

### A New Chapter in Co-op Gaming?

If the rumors hold any truth, *Split Fiction* could signify a remarkable advancement for cooperative gaming. Hazelight Studios has already established itself as a frontrunner in the genre, with *It Takes Two* earning Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021 and selling over 20 million units globally. The studio’s dedication to pioneering gameplay and heartfelt storytelling has garnered a devoted following, and *Split Fiction* may well be its most ambitious undertaking yet.

The prospect of six-player split-screen gameplay is especially exhilarating. While a host of contemporary games have transitioned away from split-screen in favor of online play, Hazelight has persistently advocated for the joys of couch co-op. If *Split Fiction* does indeed permit six players to engage on a single screen, it could reinstate the social, in-person gaming experiences that many players have longed for in recent times.

### What Lies Ahead for Hazelight Studios?

For the moment, Hazelight Studios is keeping most specifics regarding *Split Fiction* a secret. The teaser image’s tentative release date of “202*” indicates that the game may be set to debut anytime within the next few years, but fans will likely need to remain patient for an official reveal. With the studio poised to celebrate its 10th anniversary in November, there’s buzz that an announcement trailer or showcase could be forthcoming.

What remains clear is that Hazelight Studios has yet to falter in the eyes of players, and expectations for