Hazelight Studios’ A Way Out launched March 23, 2018 as the co-op prison break that demanded two players. Josef Fares’ second game sold 7+ million copies, pioneered Friend’s Pass (one copy = two players), and delivered shocking betrayal twist ending.

Success

• 78/100 Metacritic (PC)
• 7+ million copies sold
• Best Debut Game (TGA 2018 nominee)
• Friend’s Pass (buy once, friend plays free)

Mandatory Co-Op

• Requires 2 players (local or online)
• Split-screen entire game
• Asymmetric gameplay (one drives, one shoots)
• Cooperation mandatory (puzzles, stealth, combat)

The design forced communication.

Prison Break Story

Leo & Vincent’s journey:

• Prison breakout Act 1
• Road trip/heist Act 2
• The twist (Vincent is undercover cop)
• Final standoff (players fight each other)

The ending devastated players emotionally.

Gameplay Variety

• Stealth sequences
• Car chases, shooting galleries
• Minigames (arm wrestling, darts, baseball)
• Hospital infiltration
• Mexico escape

The pacing kept gameplay fresh.

Legacy

A Way Out proved:

• Co-op-only games viable
• Friend’s Pass model generous
• Josef Fares’ vision works

It Takes Two (2021) refined formula to GOTY.

Sources: Hazelight, EA, Metacritic, gaming press 2018-2023