Since its launch last week, Split Fiction has taken the gaming world by storm, selling over one million copies in two days and garnering critical acclaim worldwide. Players and critics alike have praised the game, calling it another hit from developer Hazelight Studios.

As many know, the studio has a strong partnership with EA, which published the genre-defining Split Fiction and the last game from Hazelight. In a recent interview, the game’s director came out in support of the controversial publisher, thanking EA for helping them.

Why it matters: EA is always portrayed negatively, so it’s interesting to see a developer on the inside say something positive about the studio. Split Fiction is another critical success for Hazelight.
In an interview with Edge Magazine (courtesy of GamesRadar), Josef Fares, the director of Split Fiction, has defended EA, saying most of the criticism the studio gets is undeserved. Fares explained that, unlike most publishers, EA has never interfered with Hazelights’ process and gives the developer a lot of backing.

The director acknowledged the criticism for EA but said he believes it’s undeserved and that the publisher has always been good to Hazelight. Furthermore, Josef Fares also praised EA for backing up his vision and stated that respect between the publisher and developer is necessary for the relationship to work.

they never interfere. Sometimes, I think they get so much s**t they don’t deserve. I don’t know how they work with others, but with us it’s super good.”

Considering the publisher’s image in the gaming community, this is much-needed positive PR for the company, especially after its microtransaction controversy in Skate. EA hasn’t had the easiest last few months, with Dragon Age Veilguard’s failure putting financial strain on the gaming giant. Split Fiction has redefined the co-op genre.
However, Split Fiction has brought EA back into form. Given the success of past Hazelight titles like It Takes Two, it’s unsurprising that EA fully trusts Hazelight.