Why is Hazelight so Successful?

Summary

This video dives into the unique approach of Hazelight Studios, led by Joseph Fares, and how it revolutionized game development with its innovative formula. Starting with his rejection in the industry, Fares developed games like *Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons* and *It Takes Two*, emphasizing storytelling, evolving gameplay, and co-op mechanics. The studio’s philosophy mirrors filmmaking techniques, focusing on dynamic, non-repetitive gameplay and an emphasis on cooperative experiences. Despite its small team, Hazelight thrives by breaking conventional development norms and creating games that deliver fresh, emotionally engaging experiences for players.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hazelite's success came from Joseph Fares' unconventional game design approach, blending storytelling with innovative gameplay mechanics.
• 😀 Despite being rejected by major publishers initially, Fares’ games like *Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons* and *It Takes Two* became groundbreaking successes.
• 😀 Hazelite's unique formula includes starting game development with the game's ending, similar to how movie directors plan films.
• 😀 The studio avoids repetitive gameplay mechanics, keeping each segment fresh and evolving, much like scenes in a movie.
• 😀 Hazelite games are built around cooperation, with every mechanic and scene designed specifically for two players working together.
• 😀 The studio ensures that neither player feels more powerful or skilled than the other, creating a balanced co-op experience.
• 😀 Hazelite’s focus on cooperative gameplay naturally encourages communication between players, enhancing the shared experience.
• 😀 Unlike most games, Hazelite avoids punishing inexperienced players, allowing everyone to enjoy the game at their own pace.
• 😀 Hazelite's games are designed to provoke shared emotional reactions, using over-the-top cinematic moments to create memorable experiences.
• 😀 Despite being a small team, Hazelite's creative independence and innovative approach have made them one of the most successful studios in the industry.
• 😀 The future of Hazelite could involve returning to single-player experiences, though fans remain excited for more co-op games.

Q & A

What unique challenge did Joseph Fares face when pitching 'Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons'?

Joseph Fares faced rejection from major publishers and skepticism from industry veterans who thought his game ideas were too risky and unconventional, especially the concept of controlling two characters at once in a story-driven adventure.

How did Hazelight's approach to gameplay design differ from most other games?

Hazelight games avoid repeating gameplay mechanics. Unlike most games where players may repeatedly engage in similar mechanics, Hazelight introduces new, unique gameplay mechanics regularly, ensuring a constantly evolving experience.

What role did Joseph Fares' background in the movie industry play in the development of Hazelight's games?

Joseph Fares' background in the movie industry influenced Hazelight's approach to game design, especially in structuring gameplay like scenes in a movie. They often plan their games starting with the ending, similar to how filmmakers focus on the film’s conclusion first.

How did Hazelight ensure that their games would maintain the player's interest throughout without over-relying on repeated mechanics?

By designing each gameplay segment as unique, Hazelight avoids repetitive mechanics. They introduced new mechanics continuously, ensuring players experience something fresh throughout the game, keeping engagement high.

What is the significance of the team’s decision to map out the entire game ahead of time?

Mapping out the entire game before full production allowed Hazelight to prototype various mechanics in advance, plan the story comprehensively, and ensure that each gameplay element was connected to the narrative.

How did Hazelight approach the development of cooperative gameplay in games like 'A Way Out' and 'It Takes Two'?

Hazelight focused on designing games that could only be played cooperatively, with all mechanics designed to require two players working together. The gameplay is built around the idea of interdependent actions where each player's actions affect the other's progress.

What makes Hazelight's co-op design different from typical multiplayer games?

Hazelight’s co-op design is deeply interwoven, where each player’s role is essential to the other’s success. This is in contrast to many multiplayer games, where players may have independent roles or gameplay that doesn't always require cooperation.

How did Hazelight ensure accessibility for players with different experience levels in 'It Takes Two'?

Instead of using separate difficulty settings for players, Hazelight designed the game so that both experienced and new players could play together. There are no fail states or timers punishing slower players, and the challenges were designed to be manageable for everyone.

What is one example of how Hazelight’s co-op gameplay forces communication between players?

An example from 'It Takes Two' is during the Wasp Queen boss fight, where one player must shoot honey onto targets while the other uses a matchstick gun. This mechanic requires constant communication and teamwork to succeed.

Why do Hazelight's games avoid perfect polish on certain mechanics?

Hazelight prioritizes variety and flow in gameplay, avoiding excessive refinement on any single mechanic. Adding too much depth to one aspect could break the promise of an ever-evolving experience, so they focus on delivering short but polished moments that fit into the overall experience.