Split Fiction streamers found and conquered the secret "Laser Hell" stage, winning themselves a trip to Hazelight Studios. This article details their incredible feat and reveals what the acclaimed studio is planning next following their latest hit.
Split Fiction Delivers More Exciting Surprises
Pioneering Players Conquer "Laser Hell," Earn Studio Invitation
Following a successful launch last month, Split Fiction continues to unveil secrets, including the notoriously tough "Laser Hell" stage. Against all odds, a duo of streamers completed this hidden challenge and were rewarded with an invitation to Hazelight Studios directly from the game's director.
Streamers sharkOvO and E1uM4y documented their Laser Hell triumph in a video on BiliBili. To reach this stage, players must input a precise sequence on the elevator switches in the Isolation level. Success transports them to a platforming gauntlet filled with deadly lasers.
Upon completion, a video message from Hazelight founder Josef Fares congratulated the pair. He revealed that even most of the game's developers struggled with the stage and personally invited them to the studio in Sweden. Fares later acknowledged their achievement on Twitter (X) on March 19, stating, "Congrats to 'sharkOvO' and 'E1uM4y' for finishing the secret challenge 'Laser Hell' in #splitfiction. VERY impressive! I will keep my promise and invite you both to Sweden for an early look at our next game. We'll be in touch!"
Hazelight Studios Begins Work on Next Project
In a March 17 interview on The Friends Per Second podcast, Fares discussed Hazelight's partnership with publisher EA and confirmed the studio has started developing its next title.
Fares expressed that Split Fiction's release felt uniquely special. "Personally, I'm usually ready to move on after a game launches. This one has been different," he shared. "It's arguably our best-received game, and the team is thrilled, but my focus and excitement are fully on the new project we've already begun."
While confirming development is underway, Fares offered no details. "I can't discuss the next game yet because it's very early," he explained. "As you know, our development cycles are three to four years. That's not too far off, and we'll share more then. For now, just know we are incredibly, incredibly excited. We started work on this roughly a month ago."
Regarding their relationship with EA, Fares clarified, "There's a misconception: EA is a supporter. We don't pitch games to them. We tell them what we're doing, and that's final. They have zero input on our creative direction."
Fares emphasized EA's strong partnership with Hazelight, acknowledging the publisher's mixed reputation but praising their respectful collaboration. "Perhaps they've had issues with other developers, but not with us. They respect our work and process. I've been clear they cannot interfere. As a result, we've become one of their most successful studios."
First Major Update and 2 Million Sales Milestone
On March 17, Split Fiction received its first significant update, addressing various community-reported issues. These fixes improved in-game mechanics in specific scenarios, resolved minor online glitches, and enhanced localization and subtitles across all supported languages.
In addition, the game reached a remarkable sales milestone, selling over 2 million copies in just its first week. For context, Hazelight's 2021 Game of the Year winner, It Takes Two, sold 1 million copies a few weeks after launch and reached 20 million by October 2024.
Split Fiction is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For the latest news and updates on the game, explore our related articles below.
