Prepare to immerse yourself in an adventure like no other as Hazelight Studios, the masterminds behind It Takes Two, return with Split Fiction! Revealed at The Game Awards 2024, this upcoming co-op masterpiece promises to redefine gaming, blending sci-fi and fantasy into a seamless journey. Here’s everything we know so far about the game, from its compelling narrative to its jaw-dropping gameplay reveal trailer.
Split Fiction is a buddy adventure that’s equal parts innovative storytelling and wild gameplay. The story centres on Mio and Zoe, two amateur writers whose creative ideas are stolen by a publishing company’s high-tech machine. A glitch traps them in a simulation that fuses their sci-fi and fantasy worlds into one chaotic reality.
Mio’s gritty, tech-laden sci-fi landscapes collide with Zoe’s whimsical and magical fantasy realms. To escape, the pair must work together, mastering each other’s unique abilities while navigating imaginative settings brimming with surprises.
From futuristic cities with robotic parking attendants to dragon-infested valleys, every level alternates between genres, ensuring no two moments feel the same. With an overarching theme of friendship, Mio and Zoe’s bickering personalities evolve as they rely on one another to survive.
Hazelight has once again proven their expertise in crafting co-op experiences. Split Fiction thrives on collaboration, with players controlling Mio and Zoe either locally or online. The split-screen design ensures you’re always in sync with your partner, whether escaping a supernova or battling a dance-crazed monkey.
Gameplay mechanics are tailored to the sci-fi and fantasy duality, blending elements like stealth, puzzles, platforming, and combat. Each character’s abilities—Mio’s tech gadgets and Zoe’s magical spells—complement each other, creating fresh, dynamic challenges. Imagine fending off robotic foes with a laser sword while your partner conjures elemental shields—it’s as thrilling as it sounds.
Even more exciting, Split Fiction introduces optional side missions that enrich the experience. These bite-sized stories feature bizarre scenarios, like flying as fart-propelled pigs or riding sand sharks. The variety keeps players engaged, offering endless reasons to return for another playthrough.
Built on Unreal Engine 5, Split Fiction delivers stunning visuals that highlight its dual-genre settings. Mio’s neon-lit cityscapes are a stark contrast to Zoe’s lush, magical forests. Dynamic lighting, weather effects, and detailed character models make each world feel vibrant and alive.
Hazelight’s commitment to visual excellence ensures that every scene—from a sun going supernova to a mystical dragon’s lair—is a visual spectacle. The seamless transitions between genres amplify the immersion, keeping players hooked as they leap from sci-fi to fantasy and back again.
At its core, Split Fiction is about friendship. It explores how two complete strangers, with clashing personalities and opposing tastes, find common ground. Mio and Zoe don’t get along at first, but they’ll have to rely on each other to survive. Importantly, they’ll face challenges that test their bond, revealing the power of collaboration.
Hazelight’s games often revolve around emotional themes. Just as It Takes Two focused on collaboration, Split Fiction spotlights friendship, making the narrative more personal and relatable. It’s a story designed to resonate with players long after the credits roll.
Hazelight’s signature Friend’s Pass returns, allowing players to invite a partner to join the adventure for free—even if they don’t own the game. This accessibility is paired with full crossplay support across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, ensuring a seamless co-op experience regardless of platform.
The Friend’s Pass isn’t just a gameplay feature; it’s a testament to Hazelight’s philosophy of inclusivity and shared experiences. It lowers barriers, enabling more players to dive into the adventure. Installation of the Friend’s Pass requires a persistent internet connection and an applicable platform account. One user must own the full game in order for the co-op player to play the full game.
The reveal trailer, narrated by Josef Fares himself, gave fans a tantalising glimpse of what’s to come. Highlights included:
Josef Fares promises moments unlike anything seen in gaming before, and the trailer’s jaw-dropping variety suggests he’s not exaggerating. It’s a boundary-pushing co-op action adventure that’s set to captivate audiences.
Split Fiction launches on March 6, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. With just a few months to go, the anticipation is palpable. Hazelight Studios’ bold creative choices and polished execution suggest this could be a Game of the Year contender.
Hazelight Studios is set to deliver another unforgettable co-op adventure with Split Fiction. From its inventive premise and richly designed worlds to its emphasis on friendship and collaboration, the game promises a fresh, boundary-pushing experience.
Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi, fantasy, or simply enjoy co-op games, Split Fiction has something for everyone. Gather your co-op partner, get ready for a wild ride, and mark your calendars for March 6, 2025. This is one adventure you won’t want to miss! Split Fiction is a unique action-adventure from the studio behind It Takes Two and A Way Out. Buy Split Fiction and jump into mind-blowing moments, master a variety of abilities, and overcome diverse challenges while jumping between sci-fi and fantasy worlds.
