Split Fiction Shatters Genre Walls with Sci-Fi/Fantasy Co-Op Mashup

Two genres collide—hard—in this cooperative adventure where laser rifles meet spellbooks. Players slash through reality itself, bypassing tired tropes with seamless PvE teamwork.

Forget 'solo grind'—here, your party's survival hinges on blending tech and magic. One wrong move? That's a respawn penalty even Wall Street hedge funds would call excessive.

Split Fiction is a groundbreaking cooperative action-adventure game developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts. Released on March 6, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version launching on June 5, 2025, the game has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay and compelling narrative.

Overview

• Title: Split Fiction
• Developer: Hazelight Studios
• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• Director: Josef Fares
• Engine: Unreal Engine 5
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2
• Release Dates:
  • March 6, 2025 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
  • June 5, 2025 (Nintendo Switch 2)
• Genre: Action-Adventure, Platformer
• Modes: Multiplayer (Co-op only)
• Languages: English, Italian, Polish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Japanese, German.

Storyline

In Split Fiction, players assume the roles of Mio Hudson and Zoe Foster, two writers who become trapped in a simulation of their own imaginations after a high-tech attempt to steal their creative ideas goes awry. As they navigate through intertwined fantasy and sci-fi worlds—ranging from dragon-filled realms to cyberpunk cities—they must collaborate to escape with their memories and stories intact.

Gameplay Mechanics

• Co-op Focus: Designed exclusively for two-player cooperative play, either locally or online.
• Dynamic Worlds: Players switch between Zoe’s fantasy landscapes and Mio’s sci-fi environments, each presenting unique challenges and aesthetics.
• Innovative Mechanics: The game introduces diverse gameplay elements, such as taming dragons, battling cyber ninjas, and solving intricate puzzles.
• Friend’s Pass: Only one player needs to own the game; the second player can join for free, promoting accessibility.
• Crossplay Support: Enables players on different platforms to play together seamlessly.

Critical Reception

Split Fiction has been lauded for its imaginative design and engaging co-op gameplay:

• Metacritic: “Universal acclaim” from critics.
• OpenCritic: 98% of critics recommend the game.
• Sales Milestone: Over 4 million copies sold by May 6, 2025.

Critics have praised the game’s ability to blend storytelling with innovative mechanics, creating a memorable co-op experience that stands out in the gaming landscape.

Film Adaptation

A film adaptation of Split Fiction is currently in development:

• Director: Jon M. Chu
• Screenwriters: Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick
• Lead Actress & Executive Producer: Sydney Sweeney
• Production Companies: Story Kitchen and Electric Somewhere

Split Fiction exemplifies Hazelight Studios’ dedication to crafting innovative cooperative experiences. With its rich narrative, diverse gameplay mechanics, and emphasis on collaboration, it stands as a testament to the potential of co-op gaming in delivering emotionally resonant and engaging adventures.