It Takes Two Ownership Abandoned by Hazelight Due to Trademark Claim by Take-Two Interactive

This is probably the most bizarre games-related news you’ll read all week. As reported by Eurogamer, Joseph Fares and co at Hazelight Studios have been forced to abandon the trademark for It Takes Two, the acclaimed narrative-drive co-op platformer that launched earlier this year. They’ve had to do so because of a trademark claim by Take-Two Interactive.

The claim was apparently filed earlier this year, following which Hazelight has now been forced to abandon ownership of the game. Hazelight itself says in a statement that though it “cannot comment on ongoing disputes”, the studio is “hopeful” the matter will be resolved soon.

What effect this will have on future sales of It Takes Two is currently unknown. Also up in the air are questions about whether or not Hazelight or publisher EA will be allowed to market the game, or whether they have plans to change the game’s name altogether. It Takes Two is also nominated for a number of awards at The Game Awards, taking place on December 9- it should be interesting to see how the game’s name is handled on-stage at the event.

A few weeks ago, Hazelight announced that It Takes Two had sold over 3 million copies worldwide.