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Hazelight Studios’ Split Fiction Developer Is Already Working on Its Next Game, Director Reveals

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Hazelight Studios, the developer behind Split Fiction, has already begun work on its next game, just weeks after the successful launch of their latest co-op adventure. The studio, based in Stockholm, has revealed that the development process is still in its early stages. In a recent interview, director Josef Fares shared his excitement about the future project, emphasizing that the team is “fully focused” on what lies ahead, despite the fresh success of Split Fiction. He expressed eagerness to dive into the next creative challenge, even though details about the project remain under wraps for now.

In an interview on the Friends Per Second podcast, Fares discussed the team’s happiness with the launch of Split Fiction. He acknowledged the positive reception of the game, but quickly shifted focus to the future. “For me, personally, every time a game is out, I’m kind of done with it,” Fares remarked. “I’m always thinking, ‘Okay, now it’s time for the next thing.'” While the team is proud of their latest success, Fares revealed that he is already thinking ahead, saying that the upcoming project is already underway. Though he couldn’t share specifics, Fares hinted that co-op gameplay, a hallmark of Hazelight’s past titles, would remain integral to the studio’s future work.

Fares was careful not to reveal too much about the new project, noting that it is still in its infancy. However, he did offer a glimpse into the development timeline, explaining that the studio typically works on games for three to four years before releasing them to the public. This means that Hazelight’s next title could be just a few years away from being unveiled, but for now, the team is keeping quiet about the specifics. The director’s enthusiasm for the project was evident, though, as he expressed the studio’s collective excitement despite the lack of details.

The work on Hazelight’s next game began approximately a month ago, just weeks before the launch of Split Fiction. Although it’s early days, the studio is already laying the groundwork for what could be another groundbreaking project in the realm of cooperative gaming. Hazelight’s commitment to creating innovative and emotionally engaging co-op experiences appears to be stronger than ever, with the team looking forward to what the future holds, even if the game’s name and concept remain a mystery for now.

Ubisoft at a Crossroads with the Upcoming Release of ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’

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Ubisoft is pinning its hopes on the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to recover from a series of financial setbacks, as the company grapples with declining revenue, a plummeting stock price, and growing takeover speculation. Set to launch on Thursday, the game represents a return to the Assassin’s Creed franchise, which has been a cornerstone of Ubisoft’s success. This comes after a string of disappointing releases, including Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Star Wars Outlaws, which have raised questions about Ubisoft’s strategy of licensing new intellectual properties (IPs) to drive its gaming portfolio.

The company’s financial struggles have been evident, with its stock falling over 40% last year, leading to increased scrutiny from both investors and analysts. The Ubisoft founding family, the Guillemots, who remain the largest shareholders, have even been in talks with major investors like Tencent regarding potential buyout options to retain control of the company. Ubisoft has declined to comment on ongoing speculation regarding the sale of its intellectual properties, but the pressure to perform with Assassin’s Creed Shadows is palpable.

However, the upcoming release has not been without controversy. The game has faced significant backlash on social media, including from high-profile figures such as Elon Musk, particularly over its diverse character roster. The controversy highlights the growing tensions around diversity in video games, which have become a hot-button issue in the U.S. following political shifts. The inclusion of Naoe, a stealthy female assassin, and Yasuke, an African samurai inspired by a real historical figure, has drawn mixed reactions, with some gamers expressing dissatisfaction over the game’s focus on representation.

Despite these challenges, Ubisoft is banking on Assassin’s Creed Shadows to reassert its dominance in the gaming industry. The game, set in feudal Japan—a fan-favorite setting for the franchise—features enhanced parkour and stealth mechanics, with a dual-character system designed to offer fresh gameplay while maintaining the core elements that made the series famous. Industry experts, like Jordan Van Andel, believe that while Ubisoft is not attempting to revolutionize the franchise, the company is hoping that its refined mechanics will resonate with both long-time fans and new players. The release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is seen as a critical moment for Ubisoft’s future, potentially determining the company’s ability to regain its footing in an increasingly competitive market.

God of War Ragnarök Receives Dark Odyssey Collection Update for 20th Anniversary of the Franchise

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Sony is commemorating the 20th anniversary of God of War, one of PlayStation’s most iconic franchises, with a series of exciting updates and events set to take place on March 22. To mark the milestone, the company has announced a variety of special content for God of War Ragnarök, including new in-game additions, exclusive merchandise, an art exhibition, and much more. One of the highlights of the celebration is the release of the Dark Odyssey Collection, which will be available for the latest installment in the God of War series, offering fans a fresh way to experience the game.

The Dark Odyssey Collection is a free update for God of War Ragnarök, set to roll out on March 20 for both PS5 and PC players. This collection introduces several new cosmetic additions that pay homage to the franchise’s past. Among the standout features is a black and gold skin for Kratos, inspired by his appearance in God of War 2. Along with the updated character look, players will receive a full set of Dark Odyssey-themed armor for Kratos, including a new breastplate, bracers, and a belt, adding an extra layer of customization to the beloved character.

The celebration doesn’t stop with Kratos; the update also includes Dark Odyssey-themed armor for key companion characters Atreus and Freya. This ensures that not only Kratos gets a makeover but that the entire party has a unified aesthetic, enhancing the visual appeal of the game. In addition to character skins and armor sets, the Dark Odyssey Collection introduces special weapon appearances and attachments for the three iconic weapons in God of War Ragnarök—the Leviathan Axe, the Blades of Chaos, and the Draupnir Spear—further enhancing the combat experience with a stylish new twist.

The Dark Odyssey Collection is just one part of Sony’s larger 20th anniversary celebration of God of War. Fans of the franchise can look forward to exclusive merchandise, a special art exhibition, and other surprises as part of this monumental milestone. With these exciting updates, God of War continues to be one of the most cherished and enduring franchises in gaming, and the 20th anniversary celebrations are sure to give both new and long-time fans a reason to dive back into the world of Kratos.