hazelight studios games - inBeat

Understanding the Context

Who Is Hazelight Studios?

Hazelight Studios, based in Stockholm, Sweden, is a boutique studio renowned for its commitment to crafting emotionally resonant experiences supported by elegant design and inventive gameplay. Led by visionary creative minds, including co-founder Marco “Olof” Svantesson, Hazelight focuses on creating worlds where players don’t just play—but truly engage. Their philosophy emphasizes family-friendly experiences, cooperative play, and a deep attention to atmosphere, making their games beloved by both casual and hardcore gamers.

A Tall Hassle: The Debut That Surprised the World

Key Insights

Launched in 2013, A Tall Hell—later rebranded as A Tall Hassle—was Hazelight’s critically acclaimed debut. A quirky side-scrolling adventure, it follows a handmade, pillowy protagonist navigating a surreal world filled with absurd humor, tight controls, and clever environmental puzzles. Though modest in scale, the game’s charm lay in its nostalgia-inducing art style, witty writing, and a sense of whimsy that made it unforgettable.

A Tall Hassle demonstrated Hazelight’s core strengths: creative environment design, tight platforming, and a bold artistic identity. It laid the foundation for what would become the studio’s signature style—where emotional storytelling meets playful exploration.

It Takes Two: Redefining Co-Op Gaming

But it was It Takes Two, released in 2021, that catapulted Hazelight Studios into global stardom. A cooperative masterpiece developed exclusively for PlayStation 5 (with optional limited PC support), It Takes Two reimagines romantic relationships through a vibrant, fantasy-infused narrative. Designed primarily for two players, the game draws players into a fractured couple on a surreal quest to restore their love—full of clever puzzles, dynamic character mechanics, and breathtaking visuals.

Final Thoughts

Featuring 12 unique abilities that transform how players interact with the world, It Takes Two balances emotional depth with adrenaline-pumping gameplay. From cliffhanger rappelling across neon skyscrapers to heart-pounding dance sequences, the experience feels like a love letter to co-op gaming—celebrating teamwork, communication, and heartfelt connection.

Critically lauded and a massive commercial success, It Takes Two earned Hazelight numerous accolades, including Family Favorite at The Game Awards 2022 and heavy praise for innovation, writing, and design.

Why Hazelight’s Games Stand Out

• Cooperative Focus: Many of Hazelight’s titles emphasize two-player cooperation, whether through interconnected abilities or synchronized puzzle-solving.
  
• Emotional Storytelling: Their games weave meaningful narratives without heavy dialogue, relying instead on environmental cues and character dynamics.
  
• Artistic Identity: Distinctive visuals—ranging from A Tall Hassle’s quirky low-poly charm to It Takes Two’s vivid, painterly style—set their worlds apart.
  
• Accessible Gameplay: Despite rich narratives and complex mechanics, Hazelight excels at creating intuitive controls and gradual learning curves.