Hazelight Studios, known for their groundbreaking co-op games, has once again captured the attention of gamers worldwide with their upcoming title, Split Fiction. Announced during The Game Awards, this new action-adventure game promises to push the boundaries of the co-op genre by seamlessly blending sci-fi and fantasy elements.
Set for release on March 6, 2025, Split Fiction allows players to take on the roles of two aspiring writers, Mio and Zoe, each representing different genres — one focusing on sci-fi and the other on fantasy. After being ensnared by the machinations of a sinister publishing company aiming to steal their creative ideas, the duo must find their way out of their own chaotic stories. “We’re going to blow your mind,” said Josef Fares, founder of Hazelight Studios, during the game's reveal, emphasizing the studio's mission to craft innovative co-op experiences.
The gameplay mechanics are as outlandish as they are engaging. Gamer enthusiasts can expect to escape from stars going supernova, challenge mischievous monkeys to dance-offs, and traverse through stunning landscapes on gravity bikes and sandsharks. Described as their most ambitious adventure yet, Split Fiction will feature split-screen gameplay, enabling players to switch between vibrant sci-fi and fantastical realms where challenges and surprises lurk around every corner.
Continuing the studio's tradition, players can utilize the Friend's Pass feature, which allows one person who owns the game to invite friends for free co-operative gameplay. This time, crossplay functionality also includes users across different platforms, with the game available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. "Friendships and great memories are made through playing amazing co-op games together — and no one does it quite like Hazelight," added Jeff Gamon, EA Partners general manager, spotlighting the collaboration between EA and Hazelight.
Hazelight has garnered immense success with their previous title, It Takes Two, which sold over 20 million copies and won numerous Game Awards, including Game of the Year. Following its success, the stakes are high for Split Fiction to capture the same enchantment and player engagement. “At Hazelight, we’ve been building co-op games for 10 years, and with each release, we strive to exceed expectations,” said Fares.
The game’s charming premise revolves around the contrasting writing styles of its protagonists. Mio emphasizes sleek, high-tech aesthetics with elements like neon lights and robots, whereas Zoe’s world presents mythical creatures, castles, and enchanting landscapes. Their individual stories are set to intertwine through gameplay, showcasing unique game mechanics as explorers navigate between these two immersive worlds.
One of the numerous novel gameplay features includes hatching dragon eggs and witnessing these creatures evolve from tiny hatchlings to powerful allies capable of flight. Players will need to work cooperatively to utilize their contrasting abilities to progress through increasingly complex challenges.
Fares also highlighted the technology and design aspects of Split Fiction, using the powerful capabilities of modern gaming consoles. The game is built on Unreal Engine 5 and is engineered to run smoothly even with split-screen mechanics, ensuring fast-paced action doesn't compromise the visual experience, which promises to be as brilliant as the gameplay itself.
While many core elements of the game remain built on time-tested co-op mechanics, developers at Hazelight are injecting fresh creativity for players to experience. Fares mentioned he has spent about 3.5 years developing Split Fiction since the successful launch of It Takes Two, ensuring the new game feels both innovative and aligned with the enjoyable cooperative gameplay players have come to anticipate.
The dynamics of Mio and Zoe's relationship will evolve throughout the gameplay, shaping the narrative as they confront not only the wild challenges of their written worlds but also their unintended partnership. The gameplay urges players to lean on each other’s abilities, reminiscent of the collaborative spirit found throughout Hazelight’s games.
On top of all this, the humor remains prevalent, with light-hearted moments interspersed within the challenges. One hilarious side mission transforms the characters unexpectedly, allowing players to become nonsensical creatures like fart-propelled pigs, balancing both creativity and amusement. “At Hazelight, we innovate without limitations. We push boundaries without compromising on fun,” Fares encouragingly stated.
The excitement around Split Fiction continues to build, drawing comparisons to its well-received predecessors. Whether players are teaming up to fight evil kitties or soar through the skies on the backs of dragons, one thing is clear: Hazelight is committed to producing engaging gameplay experiences. With the release just around the corner, gamers worldwide are fervently awaiting their next great co-op adventure.