Split Fiction, the latest game from Hazelight Studios, launched on March 6th, 2025, and has quickly become one of the year’s most popular titles. The game features writers Mio and Zoe in their quest to stop a powerful publisher from stealing their work. Split Fiction has already achieved impressive numbers, reaching a peak of over 259,000 concurrent players according to SteamDB.
The game’s unique visual style combines sci-fi and fantasy elements, with scenes split diagonally to showcase both worlds. Players have discovered that beyond its innovative design, Split Fiction contains one of the most terrifying levels in gaming. Despite the game’s success, director Josef Fares has stated that Hazelight can “do better,” suggesting the studio continues to push boundaries.
A Co-Op Adventure That Recaptures the Magic
Hazelight Studios has done it again. After setting the gold standard for co-op experiences with It Takes Two, the studio’s latest title, Split Fiction, doesn’t just follow in its predecessor’s footsteps—it blazes its own trail. This time, players are treated to a sprawling, sci-fi fantasy mashup that’s equal parts exhilarating, heartfelt, and wildly inventive. From its asymmetrical gameplay to its imaginative level design, Split Fiction proves that true couch co-op magic isn’t dead—it’s thriving.
Gameplay That Demands Teamwork (In the Best Way)
One of Split Fiction’s biggest triumphs is how deeply it integrates cooperation into its core. You can’t just tag along for the ride; both players are constantly involved, communicating, and problem-solving. Whether you’re piloting mechs in zero gravity, manipulating time in an ancient temple, or sneaking through alien cities, every moment requires coordination and trust.
But what sets Split Fiction apart from other co-op games is how it makes each player feel vital. The two protagonists—Ren and Liv—have wildly different abilities. Ren might control gadgets and hack into systems, while Liv can bend the environment to her will with telekinetic powers. Every puzzle, every combat encounter, and every narrative beat plays to their unique strengths, ensuring that no one’s ever sitting on the sidelines.
A Story That Balances Humor and Heart
If you’ve played It Takes Two, you know Hazelight has a knack for blending humor with genuine emotional storytelling. Split Fiction continues that tradition, albeit with a slightly different tone. Instead of focusing on mending a broken relationship, the story here revolves around two unlikely allies navigating a fractured multiverse to save their homeworld—and themselves.
What makes the narrative stand out isn’t just the stakes; it’s the characters. Ren and Liv feel real. Their banter is sharp and often hilarious, but there’s an underlying vulnerability that makes their growing bond believable. As they face impossible odds, you’ll find yourself rooting for them not just as heroes, but as friends.
Visually Stunning Worlds That Feel Alive
Every level in Split Fiction feels like it’s from a completely different game—but in a good way. You’ll go from cyberpunk cities bathed in neon light to lush, overgrown jungles on forgotten planets. The game’s art direction doesn’t just throw colors at you for the sake of looking pretty; every environment tells its own story.
What’s more, the levels aren’t just backdrops. They’re interactive playgrounds designed to maximize cooperation. One moment, you’re scaling a gravity-defying tower while your partner disables traps. The next, you’re racing hover bikes through a collapsing space station, shouting instructions back and forth to survive. There’s a constant sense of motion, surprise, and wonder.
The Final Level Is Something You Have to See to Believe
Without spoiling anything, Split Fiction’s final chapter has already become the stuff of gaming legend. Josef Fares himself said it’s the level he’s most proud of in his career, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a bold, genre-bending finale that completely rewrites the rules you thought you were playing by. Expect to be blown away—and to be talking about it long after the credits roll.
No Microtransactions, No Nonsense—Just Fun
One of the things that makes Split Fiction such a breath of fresh air is its old-school approach to gaming. You buy the game, you play it, and you get the entire experience. There’s no nickel-and-diming, no battle passes, and no cosmetics locked behind paywalls. It’s clear Hazelight is focused on delivering a game that respects players’ time and money.
How It Compares to It Takes Two
Naturally, the big question is: how does it stack up against It Takes Two? The answer is complicated—but exciting. Split Fiction doesn’t have the same grounded, emotional core that made It Takes Two so relatable for couples and families. Instead, it leans harder into adventure, world-building, and high-stakes action.
That said, it builds on Hazelight’s formula in all the right ways. The gameplay is tighter, the levels are more ambitious, and the variety is staggering. If It Takes Two was about bringing people closer together, Split Fiction is about testing—and strengthening—that bond through the chaos of sci-fi adventure.
The Verdict: A Must-Play for Co-Op Fans
Split Fiction isn’t just the best co-op game since It Takes Two—it’s a worthy successor and, in some ways, a step forward for the genre. It’s a love letter to shared experiences, packed with thrilling gameplay, striking visuals, and memorable characters.
Whether you’re sitting side-by-side on the couch or teaming up online, Split Fiction delivers the kind of joy and excitement that only the very best co-op games can offer.
If you’ve been waiting for a game to remind you why co-op gaming matters, this is it.
Key Takeaways
- Split Fiction launched on March 6th, 2025 and has reached over 259,000 concurrent players.
- The game follows writers Mio and Zoe in their fight against a tech-giant publisher trying to steal their work.
- Split Fiction features a unique visual style that combines sci-fi and fantasy elements in split-screen gameplay.
About Hazelight Studios
Hazelight Studios has established itself as a leader in cooperative gaming experiences, known for creating innovative titles that push the boundaries of multiplayer storytelling. The studio continues this tradition with their latest release, Split Fiction.
History and Collaboration with Electronic Arts
Hazelight Studios was founded by film director Josef Fares, who transitioned into game development with a vision to create meaningful cooperative experiences. The studio’s partnership with Electronic Arts through their EA Originals program has been instrumental in bringing their creative vision to life.
Their first major title under EA was “A Way Out” (2018), which received acclaim for its split-screen co-op gameplay. This was followed by “It Takes Two” (2021), which won Game of the Year at The Game Awards.
The studio’s latest release, Split Fiction, launched on March 6, 2025, and has already achieved remarkable success. In its first week, the game sold over 2 million copies, demonstrating the studio’s growing popularity.
Despite positive reception from fans and critics, Fares has stated that Hazelight is already working on its next project, believing they can “do better” than Split Fiction.
Latest Release: It Takes Two
Split Fiction, developed by Hazelight Studios, draws comparisons to their previous hit title “It Takes Two.” While both games emphasize cooperative gameplay, they offer distinct experiences with unique worlds and mechanics.
Game Synopsis and Characters
It Takes Two follows the story of Cody and May, a couple on the brink of divorce who are magically transformed into dolls by their daughter’s tears. Players guide these characters through a fantastical journey of self-discovery and relationship repair. The game blends emotional storytelling with vibrant environments, from garden landscapes to space adventures.
Unlike Split Fiction’s sci-fi and fantasy blend with writers Mio and Zoe, It Takes Two focuses on real-world relationship dynamics. The game won multiple awards including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021.
It Takes Two is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms, making it accessible to a wide audience of players looking for cooperative experiences.
Gameplay Mechanics and Platforming Innovation
It Takes Two revolutionized cooperative gameplay by requiring two players to progress. Each level introduces new mechanics that force players to communicate and coordinate their actions. No mechanism repeats, keeping the experience fresh throughout.
The platforming elements combine traditional jumping and climbing with unique abilities given to each character. For example, one section provides Cody with the ability to manipulate time while May can replicate herself.
The game features:
- Split-screen play (even in online mode)
- Complementary abilities for each character
- Puzzle-solving that requires teamwork
- Mini-games that offer competitive breaks
The Friend’s Pass feature allows a second player to join without purchasing the game, making it more accessible than most cooperative titles on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Gaming Platforms and Compatibility
Split Fiction launched on March 6, 2025, and is available across major current-generation gaming platforms. The game offers robust cross-play functionality that enhances the cooperative gameplay experience.
Cross-Play Functionality
Split Fiction features full cross-platform play, allowing gamers to enjoy the cooperative experience regardless of their preferred gaming system. Players can team up with friends across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC without any restrictions.
The game includes a “Friend’s Pass” feature that lets players invite a friend to join them for free on any platform. This generous offering from Hazelight Studios removes the barrier of requiring both players to purchase the game.
Cross-play functionality extends to all game modes and features, ensuring a seamless multiplayer experience. This approach aligns with the developer’s commitment to creating accessible cooperative games that bring players together.
Availability on Current Generation Consoles
Split Fiction is exclusively available on current-generation hardware: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game is not available on previous generation consoles like PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.
The title retails for $49.99 across all platforms, maintaining consistent pricing regardless of where players choose to purchase it.
On PC, Split Fiction is available through Steam and notably does not require EA Desktop application for launching, despite being published by Electronic Arts. The PC version also does not use Denuvo DRM protection, which has been well-received by the PC gaming community.
Digital stores for each platform offer the complete game along with access to the Friend’s Pass cooperative feature.
Technological Advancements
Split Fiction leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance player experience while maintaining security. The game incorporates advanced features that protect users and utilize location data in creative ways.
Security Measures for User Safety
Split Fiction developers have implemented robust security protocols to protect players’ personal information. The game uses end-to-end encryption for all multiplayer sessions, ensuring that communication between co-op partners remains private.
Hazelight Studios has established a dedicated security team that monitors for potential vulnerabilities. They conduct regular updates to patch any security issues that might arise during gameplay.
Two-factor authentication is available for player accounts, adding an extra layer of protection. This feature is especially important for the game’s online co-op functionality.
The developers also anonymize player data used for analytics purposes. This approach helps them improve the game while respecting user privacy concerns.
Innovative Use of Geolocation Data
Split Fiction incorporates geolocation features in creative ways that enhance the storytelling experience. The game can optionally adjust environmental elements based on the player’s actual location, creating more immersive scenarios.
Weather patterns in the game can mirror local conditions when permitted by users. This feature creates a unique connection between the real world and the virtual one.
The co-op matchmaking system can prioritize partners in similar time zones when requested. This subtle but practical use of location data helps players find compatible partners without crossing privacy boundaries.
Players maintain full control over location sharing through granular permissions. The game functions perfectly without this data, making all geolocation features truly optional.
User Experience and Interactivity
Split Fiction stands out for its innovative approach to user experience and interactive storytelling. The game requires careful attention to personal data handling and privacy concerns while delivering a seamless cooperative experience.
Consent and Personal Data Usage
Split Fiction collects certain personal data to enhance gameplay and maintain its online features. Players must provide consent before any information is gathered, including IP addresses that help with game connectivity issues.
The game uses minimal personal information, focusing only on what’s needed for core functionality. This approach aligns with modern expectations about data privacy in gaming.
Hazelight Studios, led by director Josef Fares, has implemented transparent data collection practices. Players receive clear notifications about what information is being collected and why.
Personal data is stored securely and not shared with third parties without explicit permission. Players can withdraw consent at any time through the game’s settings menu.
Cookie Policy and Privacy Settings
Split Fiction uses cookies to remember player preferences and improve overall gameplay experience. These cookies track session information and save co-op progress between Mio and Zoe, the game’s protagonists.
Players have granular control over privacy settings, with options to:
- Accept all cookies
- Accept only essential cookies
- Customize cookie preferences
The game clearly explains how each type of cookie affects the user experience. Essential cookies maintain basic functionality, while optional ones enhance personalization features.
Privacy settings can be adjusted at any time through the main menu. Split Fiction remembers these preferences across gaming sessions, eliminating the need for repeated adjustments.
Marketing and Advertising
Split Fiction’s marketing campaign has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness. The game’s rapid sales milestone of 2 million copies in just one week highlights the success of Hazelight Games’ promotional efforts.
Personalised Advertising Strategy
Hazelight Studios implemented a targeted advertising approach for Split Fiction that resonated with their core audience. The studio focused on highlighting the game’s co-op features, which built upon their established reputation from previous titles like It Takes Two.
The marketing team created personalized ad campaigns across various gaming platforms and social media channels. These ads emphasized the unique gameplay mechanics and storytelling elements that make Split Fiction stand out in the crowded gaming market.
Key advertising tactics included:
- Influencer partnerships with popular gaming content creators
- Targeted social media campaigns based on user interests
- Cross-promotion with their previous successful title, It Takes Two
Content Measurement Techniques
Hazelight employed sophisticated analytics to measure the effectiveness of their marketing content. The team tracked engagement metrics across all promotional materials to optimize their advertising strategy in real-time.
The studio monitored conversion rates from ad views to purchases, allowing them to refine their messaging. This data-driven approach helped them identify which aspects of Split Fiction most appealed to potential buyers.
Performance indicators tracked included:
- Click-through rates on digital advertisements
- Social media engagement statistics
- Video completion rates for trailers and gameplay previews
The impressive sales figures confirm the effectiveness of these measurement techniques. By analyzing which content drove the most conversions, Hazelight continuously refined their marketing approach throughout the launch period.
Online Presence and Data Management
Split Fiction’s record-breaking success on Steam with 197,434 concurrent players has generated significant data that can be analyzed for improving the game’s online presence. This data provides valuable insights for both search optimization and audience research.
Search Data Optimization
Split Fiction developers are focusing on using player data to improve the game’s discoverability online. The massive player base (over one million copies sold in just two days) has created substantial search traffic that the team can analyze.
The developers are tracking key metrics including:
- Search terms leading to game discovery
- Click-through rates from various platforms
- Conversion rates from views to purchases
These insights help the team optimize their store pages and marketing materials. They’re also addressing common search queries related to technical issues, as many players search for solutions to crashing problems on PC.
Audience Research for Service Development
The development team is using player data to shape future service offerings. By analyzing player behavior, they can identify what features are most popular and which need improvement.
Key audience research focuses:
- Player demographics and preferences
- Average play session length
- Most-used game features
This research directly influences development priorities. For example, after discovering that many players use dedicated graphics cards, the team prioritized optimizing performance for these systems.
EA and Josef Fares’ team are reportedly creating tailored experiences based on audience segmentation data. They’re using analytics platforms similar to those mentioned in data management reports from February 2025 to track impressions, clicks, and user behavior at a granular level.
Community and Player Engagement
Split Fiction has created an impressive community in a short time. With over 2 million copies sold in just one week, the game has quickly built a substantial player base that continues to grow.
The game reached record-breaking concurrent player counts on Steam shortly after launch. This massive player engagement demonstrates how quickly Split Fiction has resonated with gamers worldwide.
Player communities have formed across various platforms to share tips, experiences, and coordinate co-op gameplay. Discord servers and Reddit communities dedicated to Split Fiction have seen rapid growth as players look for teammates and strategy discussions.
Hazelight Studios has implemented several features to improve the player experience:
- Friend invitation system – Makes connecting with friends seamless
- Anti-cheat measures – Helps maintain fair gameplay
- User verification – Reduces spam and improves community quality
The developers maintain active communication channels with players through social media and their official forums. This open dialogue has been praised by fans who appreciate the transparency.
Many players have shared positive experiences about the co-op mechanics that require genuine teamwork. The game’s design encourages meaningful social interaction rather than solo play.
Community events and challenges have started appearing, with players organizing speedruns and unique gameplay challenges. These grassroots activities show how deeply engaged the player base has become with the game’s mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players have many questions about Split Fiction as it approaches its March 6, 2025 release date. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries about Josef Fares’ upcoming game from Hazelight Studios.
What are the key features of the latest Split Fiction update?
Split Fiction features a unique co-op experience where players navigate dual worlds simultaneously. The game splits the screen diagonally, showing a sci-fi cityscape on one side and a fantasy world on the other.
Players can solve puzzles that require coordination between both worlds. This mechanic builds on Hazelight’s expertise in cooperative gameplay seen in their earlier titles.
The Friend’s Pass is another key feature that allows someone who owns the game to invite a friend to play without the friend needing to purchase it.
Has Split Fiction released any new content or expansions recently?
Split Fiction hasn’t released any expansions yet as the base game is set to launch on March 6, 2025. The game is still in its pre-release phase.
Hazelight Studios is focusing on polishing the main game before considering additional content. Josef Fares recently discussed the game’s development in an interview, highlighting their commitment to the core experience.
What platforms is Split Fiction currently available on?
Split Fiction will be available across multiple platforms when it releases on March 6, 2025. The game will launch on PC through Steam, as indicated by active community discussions on the Steam platform.
Console availability is expected but hasn’t been specifically confirmed in the provided information. Based on Hazelight’s previous releases, PlayStation and Xbox versions are likely.
Are there any planned updates or patches for Split Fiction in the near future?
Since Split Fiction hasn’t released yet, there are no specific updates or patches announced. The development team is currently focused on finalizing the game for its March 2025 release.
Hazelight Studios has a history of supporting their games post-launch. They will likely address any issues that arise after release with timely patches.
Players can expect to find update information on EA’s official Split Fiction news page after the game launches.
What are the system requirements for playing Split Fiction on PC?
The exact system requirements for Split Fiction haven’t been detailed in the provided search results. This information will likely be published closer to the March 2025 release date.
Based on Hazelight’s previous games, players can expect requirements that accommodate the game’s visual style and cooperative gameplay mechanics. The requirements will likely be posted on the Steam store page.
Players concerned about performance should watch for this information to ensure their systems can handle the game’s dual-world gameplay.
Have the developers of Split Fiction announced any collaborations or crossovers?
No specific collaborations or crossovers for Split Fiction have been announced in the provided information. Hazelight Studios appears to be focusing on delivering their original concept.
Josef Fares, known for his creative vision, typically develops unique standalone experiences rather than crossovers. The studio’s previous games like It Takes Two and A Way Out maintained distinct identities without major collaborations.
Any future partnership announcements would likely appear on EA’s official Split Fiction news page.
