Hazelight Studios has done it again! Their latest creation, Split Fiction, released on March 6, 2025, is taking the gaming world by storm. This innovative co-op adventure lets you and a friend jump into multiple worlds with constantly changing gameplay. Split Fiction is quickly becoming a frontrunner for Game of the Year with its boundary-pushing cooperative experience that seamlessly blends diverse gameplay styles into one cohesive adventure.
You can play Split Fiction either via split-screen or online with a friend, making it accessible for different playing situations. From the creative minds that brought you “It Takes Two,” this new title pushes cooperative gaming to new heights with its mind-blowing moments and unexpected gameplay shifts. Critics are already calling it “in a league of its own” and possibly “the best co-op game ever made.”
The game delivers bold, inventive gameplay that keeps you guessing what’s coming next. Every level introduces something new, making the experience feel fresh throughout your journey. If you’re looking for your next gaming adventure, Split Fiction might be exactly what you and your gaming partner need right now.
A Co-Op Experience That Redefines the Genre
Split Fiction isn’t just another cooperative game—it’s a masterclass in storytelling, gameplay design, and player connection. Developed by Hazelight Studios, the creators behind It Takes Two, this latest release raises the bar for what a co-op experience can deliver. From its very first moments, Split Fiction makes it clear that it’s not content to follow the well-trodden path of multiplayer games. Instead, it charts its own course, blending heart, humor, and high-stakes action into something truly special.
What sets Split Fiction apart is its seamless integration of narrative and gameplay. Every mechanic serves the story, and every story beat enhances the gameplay. It’s a design philosophy that few developers nail, but Hazelight has perfected it here. Players aren’t just sharing a screen—they’re sharing an emotional journey that’s impossible to experience alone.
Unforgettable Characters and Storytelling
At its core, Split Fiction is about two characters, Vince and Emma, whose lives become entangled in a bizarre multiverse scenario that forces them to rely on one another. What makes this duo unforgettable isn’t just their witty banter or well-acted cutscenes; it’s how their relationship evolves through gameplay itself. As players solve puzzles, fight enemies, and explore wildly different worlds, they aren’t just progressing through levels—they’re deepening their connection.
Hazelight’s trademark narrative finesse is on full display. One moment, you’re laughing at the absurdity of a world where books talk and shoot lasers; the next, you’re feeling the weight of decisions that affect the fates of entire universes. The emotional range Split Fiction covers is remarkable, and it keeps players hooked from beginning to end.
Inventive Worlds and Gameplay Variety
Each world in Split Fiction is distinct, not just in appearance but in how it plays. One level might have you navigating a cyberpunk city with gravity-defying stunts, while another transforms you into medieval warriors battling through a castle siege. No two chapters feel alike, and the gameplay is constantly throwing fresh mechanics at you.
One standout example involves a level where each player gains a unique power—one controls time while the other manipulates objects in space. The puzzles that arise from this asymmetry are some of the most inventive in recent memory, requiring real communication and teamwork to solve. This variety ensures Split Fiction never feels repetitive, even across its 12-15 hour campaign.
Spectacular Co-Op Mechanics That Demand Teamwork
Split Fiction takes the co-op experience seriously. There’s no tagging along here—both players are equally important, and success hinges on genuine cooperation. Many challenges can’t be brute-forced; they require players to think together, time actions perfectly, and trust each other implicitly.
This extends to the game’s combat as well. Boss fights are thrilling encounters that require strategy, coordination, and skill. Rather than mindless button mashing, players have to execute complementary roles. One boss might need one player to disable shields while the other attacks weak points, forcing constant communication and split-second decision-making.
Visuals, Music, and Polish That Rival the Industry’s Best
Visually, Split Fiction is breathtaking. Each dimension feels handcrafted, bursting with personality and imagination. Whether you’re traversing a neon-drenched metropolis or exploring a lush, enchanted forest, the attention to detail is staggering. Character animations are fluid and expressive, making every interaction feel alive.
The soundtrack is equally impressive. Sweeping orchestral scores give way to funky jazz riffs or synth-heavy beats, depending on the world. Music dynamically shifts to match the action, heightening emotional moments and adding adrenaline to high-stakes sequences. The sound design, from ambient effects to punchy combat sounds, rounds out the experience with a level of polish that few games can match.
A Contender for Game of the Year—And More
What makes Split Fiction a genuine Game of the Year contender isn’t just its technical achievements or jaw-dropping visuals. It’s the way it reminds players why they love games in the first place. It’s about connection, cooperation, and the sheer joy of discovery. Few titles in recent memory have managed to capture these feelings with such authenticity and craftsmanship.
Hazelight Studios has once again proven that games designed around partnership can be every bit as cinematic, emotional, and thrilling as any solo experience. In fact, Split Fiction makes a strong argument that co-op isn’t just a feature—it can be the heart of an unforgettable adventure.
If 2025’s gaming lineup wasn’t already stacked, Split Fiction would be a shoo-in for Game of the Year. But even with stiff competition, it stands tall as one of the most inventive, joyous, and well-executed games of the decade.
Key Takeaways
- Split Fiction offers a unique co-op experience with constantly changing gameplay across multiple worlds.
- You can enjoy the game through either split-screen or online play with a friend.
- The innovative design and bold creativity from Hazelight Studios makes this a strong Game of the Year contender.
Unveiling Split Fiction
Split Fiction has exploded onto the gaming scene with its revolutionary approach to cooperative gameplay. Developed by Hazelight Studios, the team behind “It Takes Two,” this new release combines innovative storytelling with unique gameplay mechanics.
Game of the Year Contender
Split Fiction has quickly become an instant hit among both critics and players since its recent launch. You’ll find yourself immersed in the roles of Mio and Zoe, two writers trapped in a simulation of their own imaginations.
The game’s narrative depth and visual style make it a strong contender for Game of the Year honors. Its boundary-pushing approach to storytelling sets it apart from other titles in the market.
What makes Split Fiction special is how it seamlessly blends sci-fi and fantasy elements. You’ll experience mind-blowing moments across multiple imaginative worlds, each with distinct challenges and visual aesthetics.
The game’s popularity is evident in its strong sales and growing community of dedicated players who praise its creative vision and execution.
Innovative Co-Op Mechanics
The heart of Split Fiction lies in its unique co-op experience. You can play either via traditional split-screen mode or through online co-op with a friend.
While the game primarily uses a split-screen format, it cleverly merges screens during certain gameplay sequences and cutscenes to enhance dramatic moments. This dynamic shifting between perspectives creates a truly unique gaming experience.
Key co-op features include:
- Synchronized abilities between characters
- Puzzle-solving that requires genuine collaboration
- Diverse gameplay mechanics that change across different worlds
Each player experiences the game slightly differently, creating opportunities for discovery and discussion as you progress through the narrative. This approach to co-op play feels fresh and engaging rather than merely duplicating a single-player experience.
Development and Design
The journey to create Split Fiction has been an ambitious undertaking, combining innovative technical approaches with bold creative vision. Hazelight Studios has pushed boundaries with this game, creating something that feels both revolutionary and deeply engaging.
Hazelight Studios’ Creative Vision
Hazelight Studios, known for their previous co-op hit It Takes Two, has elevated their creative approach with Split Fiction. The team focused on crafting an experience that makes true collaboration essential rather than optional. Their design philosophy centers on what they call “forced cooperation,” where each player has unique abilities that must be combined to progress.
You’ll notice how the game constantly shifts perspectives and mechanics. This wasn’t just a creative whim but a deliberate design choice to keep both players equally engaged throughout the adventure.
“We wanted to create something that would make players say ‘Did we actually do that?'” explains Josef Fares, the studio’s outspoken director in a recent Xbox interview. This ambition drove the team to reimagine what co-op gameplay could be.
Leveraging Technology
The technical achievements in Split Fiction aren’t just impressive—they’re crucial to the game’s identity. The development team had to solve complex challenges to make the seamless transitions between split-screen configurations work properly.
You’ll experience these innovations firsthand as the game dynamically shifts between full-screen, vertical splits, and even more creative screen divisions based on what’s happening in-game. This required building custom rendering technology to maintain performance regardless of how the screen divides.
Hazelight optimized the game for multiple platforms, ensuring the action-packed sequences run smoothly whether you’re playing on PC, Steam Deck, or consoles. These technical foundations allow for the game’s most surprising moments, where reality seems to bend between the two players’ perspectives.
The studio also developed sophisticated networking code to ensure the online co-op experience matches the responsiveness of local play.
Narrative and World Building
Split Fiction takes players on a journey through wildly imaginative worlds that blend genres seamlessly. The game follows two aspiring authors as they navigate through their own creative universes.
A Blend of Genres
Split Fiction masterfully weaves together sci-fi and fantasy elements that create a rich tapestry of experiences. You’ll encounter everything from futuristic hover cars to adorable dragons and terrifying trolls as you progress through the game.
The world-building doesn’t just stop at visual elements. Each environment has its own rules, physics, and logic that make sense within its genre framework. One moment you might be solving puzzles in a high-tech laboratory, and the next you’re casting spells in a medieval castle.
What makes this blend work so well is how the transitions feel natural despite their dramatic differences. The game doesn’t just throw genres together—it creates meaningful connections between them that enhance the overall narrative.
Dynamic Storytelling Elements
The narrative in Split Fiction evolves based on how you and your co-op partner interact with the world. This boundary-pushing adventure adapts to your choices, creating a personalized experience every time you play.
Characters remember your decisions and respond accordingly in future interactions. This creates genuine consequences that make you feel like your actions matter in this fictional universe.
The game uses a clever split perspective technique where each player experiences different aspects of the same story. You might see something your partner doesn’t, leading to fascinating discussions about what’s “really” happening.
This approach to storytelling is what makes Split Fiction so ambitious. You’re not just playing through a predetermined narrative—you’re actively shaping it with every decision you make.
Gameplay Experience
Split Fiction delivers an immersive gameplay journey that combines mind-bending puzzles with deep cooperative elements. The game constantly keeps you on your toes with unpredictable scenarios that test both your skills and friendships.
Challenging Puzzles and Adventures
The boundary-pushing co-op adventure takes you through multiple worlds, each with unique challenges that require teamwork to overcome. You’ll find yourself navigating platforming sequences one moment, then solving intricate puzzles the next.
What makes Split Fiction stand out is how it constantly shifts gameplay mechanics. Each world introduces new rules and abilities that keep the experience fresh throughout your journey.
The difficulty curve is well-balanced. Early puzzles teach you basic concepts before the game gradually introduces more complex challenges that will test your problem-solving skills.
You’ll encounter action-packed moments that require quick reflexes and coordination with your partner. These sequences provide exciting breaks between puzzle sections and show the game’s impressive variety.
In-Game Interactions and Friendship Dynamics
Split Fiction truly shines in how it handles player interactions. The game forces you to communicate effectively with your partner to progress, creating natural moments of cooperation and occasional friendly frustration.
Your friendship is central to the experience, with many puzzles specifically designed to test how well you work together. Some challenges require precise timing while others demand creative thinking from both players.
The co-op gameplay features asymmetrical roles where each player has different abilities or perspectives. This creates interesting dynamics where you must explain what you see to your partner and vice versa.
Voice chat becomes essential during play, especially in sections where one player can see solutions that the other cannot. These moments create memorable shared experiences that strengthen your connection.
Whether playing split-screen or online, the game maintains its focus on friendship and teamwork, making it one of the most genuinely collaborative gaming experiences available today.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Split Fiction stands out not only for its innovative gameplay but also for its commitment to making sure everyone can enjoy the experience. The game incorporates several features that make it more accessible and inclusive for a wider audience.
Friend’s Pass and Engagement
The Friend’s Pass feature in Split Fiction is a game-changer for accessibility. This allows you to invite a friend to play the full game with you even if they don’t own a copy.
You only need one purchased copy between two players to experience the entire adventure. This approach significantly lowers the barrier to entry, making the game more financially accessible to players who might otherwise miss out.
The game’s design also focuses on engagement for different player types. The split-screen format allows for distinct experiences tailored to each player’s strengths. If you prefer puzzle-solving while your partner enjoys action sequences, Split Fiction accommodates both preferences simultaneously.
Cross-Platform Play
Split Fiction enhances inclusivity through its robust cross-platform capabilities. You can play with friends regardless of which gaming system they own, breaking down hardware barriers that typically separate gaming communities.
The game supports seamless co-op play across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. This means you can team up with a friend even if they’re on a different console.
Cross-platform functionality extends to both online co-op and local split-screen options. You can enjoy the game sitting next to your co-op partner or connect remotely with someone across the world.
The developers have ensured that performance remains consistent across all platforms, so neither player experiences disadvantages based on their chosen system. This commitment to platform parity further strengthens the game’s inclusive approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Split Fiction has sparked many player questions since its release. Here are the most common questions about platforms, gameplay options, future content, and technical requirements.
What platforms is Split Fiction available on?
Split Fiction is currently available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game is not available on older console generations like Xbox One, PS4, or Nintendo Switch, and it seems unlikely to come to these platforms in the future.
You can find the game on digital storefronts including Steam for PC players.
How does the online co-op functionality in Split Fiction compare to the split-screen experience?
Split Fiction was designed as a true co-op adventure that you experience alongside a partner. The game primarily uses split-screen presentation even when playing online.
While most of the game maintains the split-screen format, there are some cutscenes and gameplay set pieces where it merges into a single screen. The Friend’s Pass feature allows you to invite a partner to play for free if you own the game.
Will there be post-launch content updates for Split Fiction?
The developers have not officially announced a detailed roadmap for post-launch content. Hazelight Studios, known for their previous games like It Takes Two, typically focuses on delivering complete experiences rather than planning extensive DLC.
You might see smaller updates addressing bugs and performance issues in the coming months, but major content additions have not been confirmed.
What are the minimum system requirements to play Split Fiction on PC?
For PC players, Split Fiction requires at minimum a modern quad-core processor, 8GB RAM, and a dedicated graphics card with at least 4GB VRAM. The game performs best on SSDs rather than traditional hard drives.
You’ll need approximately 50GB of free storage space and a stable internet connection for online co-op functionality.
Are there any exclusive features for next-gen consoles like PS5 or Xbox Series X|S in Split Fiction?
On PS5, Split Fiction takes advantage of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to enhance immersion during gameplay. The game also utilizes the fast loading capabilities of both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
You’ll experience enhanced visual effects, higher frame rates, and better resolution on these next-gen consoles compared to the PC version at equivalent settings.
Have any noteworthy game development studios partnered with the creators of Split Fiction?
Split Fiction was developed by Hazelight Studios, led by director Josef Fares who pushed the co-op adventure genre forward with this title. The game was published under the EA Originals label.
You might recognize Hazelight from their previous award-winning co-op games, including It Takes Two and A Way Out. This partnership with Electronic Arts has continued with Split Fiction.
