Split Fiction - This Is Why I Love Gaming
Some fascinating insights about the latest co-op smash hit from Hazelight Studios
Do you love games that you can play together with a friend? Then you might know how memorable and rewarding those shared experiences can be.
I am aware that many titles can be played with a friend, but I think there is only one studio that develops the most incredible co-op games: Hazelight from Sweden!
Their latest title, Split Fiction, instantly became a mega-success and sold over 2 million copies in the first week after its release.
📅 Released: March 6, 2025
📄 Genre: Co-Op Action Platformer
🎮 Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, PC
🏷️ Price: $49.99
🗨️ Metacritic Score: 91 (User Score: 9.0)
🔗 Steam Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive
📖 Publisher: EA (Developer: Hazelight)
✌️I play it on my Xbox Series X
The main guy behind the studio is Josef Fares, who founded the company and is actually a filmmaker. He is the director of the most impressive co-op games I know:
2013: Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (Starbreeze Studios)
2018: A Way Out (Hazelight Studios)
2021: It Takes Two (Hazelight Studios)
2025: Split Fiction (Hazelight Studios)
The first game he directed was at Starbreeze Studios. After that, he left the company and founded Hazelight, where he created three outstanding titles that you can only play together with someone.
Further down, you'll find some fascinating insights about Josef Fares, his studio, and the game from a special Q&A session.
As usual, I am not writing a review since you can already find tons of them on the internet. Instead, you will get some fascinating background information and details about this title.
But first, here are some essential things you should know about Split Fiction:
It’s co-op only, either online or local. You cannot play it alone vs. AI.
It’s split screen, regardless of whether you play locally or online with someone.
Only one person needs to buy the game (more about that later).
I am completely blown away by this game!
What is the game about? In Split Fiction, two writers named Mio and Zoe are about to publish their sci-fi and fantasy stories, but a shady publishing company secretly uses advanced technology to steal their manuscripts by putting both of them into a simulation. To escape that simulation, they must cooperate closely, solving puzzles and overcoming unique challenges drawn from both story genres.
Playing with a friend: One really cool thing is the fact that you can play with someone else who doesn’t own the game. They just need to download the ‘Friends Pass’ version of the game and connect with you via the EA ID/name if she/he is not already in your friends’ list. This even works cross-platform. For example, I bought it for my Xbox Series X and played with a friend who owns a PS5.
I know I said that this is not going to be a review, but I couldn’t help writing at least a short one for this masterpiece:
This game is a love letter to video games! Offering an incredible co-op experience, it introduces fresh ideas and mechanics in every chapter. Both sci-fi and fantasy themes are masterfully done, and the worlds are beautifully designed.
It’s also packed with Easter eggs and references to movies and other video games.
The game has stunning visuals and engaging storytelling. It's an unbelievable co-op experience. BUY IT, please! :)
As promised, here is the interview with the director and owner of Hazelight Studios. This guy has a very special energy:
Additionally, I have summarized the best questions and answers for you:
Q: How would you describe the ending of Split Fiction without spoiling it?
Josef: It's [ __ ] up in the right Hazelight way.
Q: Is it possible you'll ever release a bad game?
Josef: No, it's not possible.
Q: Split Fiction's characters Mo and Zoe are named after your daughters?
Josef: For sure, yeah.
Q: How big is Hazelight Studios?
Josef: Around 80 people.
Q: If characters die in Split Fiction’s simulation, do they die in real life?
Josef: No, not really.
Q: Any message for players hesitant to play a game starring two women?
Josef: Previous Hazelight games had men; this one stars my daughters. Only guys would make no sense.
Q: Is the grapple hook available throughout the Sci-Fi levels?
Josef: Yes, it's core to movement.
Q: Are you shape-shifting in all fantasy levels?
Josef: Only in one.
Q: How long is the game?
Josef: Around 12-14 hours, including worthwhile side content.
Q: Sci-Fi levels reference Akira and Tron, but not Blade Runner or Total Recall?
Josef: Blade Runner-ish, but no Total Recall.
Q: Is crossplay available across consoles?
Josef: Yes, crossplay is fully supported.
Q: Rank your games?
Josef: Split Fiction first, then 'A Way Out' and 'It Takes Two' together, 'Brothers' last, but still great.
Q: How did 'It Takes Two' sell 23 million copies?
Josef: Passion resonates. Half the sales were from China, surprisingly.
Q: Would you ever sell Hazelight Studios?
Josef: No, we'll never sell or go public.
Q: Was Split Fiction's budget similar to 'It Takes Two'?
Josef: Almost double.
Q: Favorite Co-op game not from Hazelight?
Josef: Resident Evil 5.
Q: Would you ever make movies?
Josef: Yes, someday when I find time.
Q: What was the runner-up name for Split Fiction?
Josef: Worlds Apart, but it was too generic.
Q: If someone genuinely got bored playing Split Fiction, what's your financial offer?
Josef: $10,000 due to inflation.
Q: Any criticisms of Split Fiction now that it's done?
Josef: No, it's a perfect game.
Q: Final hyperbolic statement on Split Fiction?
Josef: Get ready to enjoy one of the greatest games you've ever played.
Q: Think you'll win Game Awards 2025?
Josef: Not if GTA 6 comes out. But that's fine, I love GTA.
Q: If you had to make a sequel, which game would it be?
Josef: Probably 'It Takes Two.'
Q: What's next for Hazelight?
Josef: Another genre jump, maybe something surprising. Co-op will remain part of our DNA.
That was it for today!
Thanks for reading, and keep playing,
Michael
Love him and Hazelight - gf and I had a great weekend playing SPLIT FICTION