On March 26, 2021, Hazelight Studios and Electronic Arts launched "It Takes Two," a game that unapologetically defied industry trends. Released exclusively as a two-player cooperative experience, it entered a market saturated with single-player epics and competitive online titles. The date marked the arrival of a refreshingly unique action-adventure platformer built entirely around collaboration. As part of the EA Originals program, which supports independent visions, the game was a bold creative gamble. This release was not just another title on the calendar; it was the beginning of a journey for a game that would go on to receive widespread critical acclaim and ultimately win the coveted Game of the Year award.
What it is
"It Takes Two" is an action-adventure platform game designed from the ground up for split-screen cooperative play. Players take on the roles of Cody and May, a conflicted couple on the verge of divorce who are magically transformed into small dolls by their daughter, Rose. Guided by a sentient, talking self-help book named Dr. Hakim, they must navigate a fantastical world based on their own home and possessions. The core gameplay loop is centered on constant collaboration. Each level grants Cody and May distinct, complementary abilities—such as a nail gun and a hammer head, or sap and a matchstick launcher—forcing them to communicate and work together to solve intricate environmental puzzles and defeat imaginative bosses.
How it came to be
The game was born from the creative vision of director Josef Fares and his team at Hazelight Studios, who had previously explored co-op narratives with "A Way Out." Fares, a vocal proponent of pushing creative boundaries, wanted to create a game with unprecedented mechanical variety, aiming to craft a 'romantic comedy' in video game form. The development team meticulously designed each chapter to introduce entirely new gameplay concepts, ensuring players would never get bored by repetitive tasks. Developed with the Unreal Engine 4 and backed by the EA Originals label, Hazelight was granted the creative freedom and financial security needed to fully realize its ambitious and genre-bending concept without interference.
How many it sold
"It Takes Two" was a remarkable commercial success, far exceeding initial expectations for a co-op-only title. Within a month of its release, it had already sold over one million copies. The momentum continued, reaching three million copies by October 2021 and five million by February 2022. A key factor in its sales success was the 'Friend's Pass,' which allowed a player who owned the game to invite a friend to play the entire story for free online. By February 2023, Hazelight announced that sales had surpassed 10 million units. As of early 2024, reports indicate the game has sold over 16 million copies, translating to more than 30 million players who have experienced the collaborative adventure.
Why it resonated
The game's universal acclaim stemmed from its relentless creativity and masterful game design. "It Takes Two" was praised for its sheer variety; nearly every few minutes, it introduces a new mechanic, mini-game, or interactive set piece, making the entire experience feel fresh and surprising. This dedication to innovation, combined with incredibly polished platforming and puzzle-solving, created a sense of pure, unadulterated fun. Furthermore, the mandatory co-op gameplay fostered genuine communication, laughter, and bonding between players. While the story was a simple romantic comedy, its heartfelt themes of communication and reconciliation provided an emotional core that resonated deeply with its audience, making it a joyous and memorable shared experience.
Impact today
The legacy of "It Takes Two" is significant and multifaceted. It stands as a modern masterpiece of cooperative design, proving that a major, commercially successful title can be built exclusively around a two-player experience. Its victory as Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021 solidified its place in history and brought massive mainstream attention to Hazelight Studios. The game's success has inspired other developers to explore co-op mechanics more deeply. It was successfully ported to the Nintendo Switch in 2022, expanding its reach. Furthermore, its compelling narrative and characters have led to an announced film and television adaptation, cementing its status as a beloved piece of popular culture with an enduring impact.
Historical content researched and generated by Gemini 2.5 Pro.