Hollywood is once again showing its interest in the dynamic worlds of video games, as top studios are entering a fierce bidding war for the rights to adapt Hazelight Studios’ new game, Split Fiction. The news broke on March 21, 2025, just weeks after the game’s release on March 6, which has proven to be a commercial triumph, selling over two million copies within its first week.
At the center of this bidding war is Story Kitchen, a media company well-known for transforming video games into engaging film adaptations. Their previous successes include the much-loved title It Takes Two, which also originated from Hazelight and was claimed by Amazon for adaptation back in 2022. With their track record, they are now assembling a creative team to tackle the ambitious storyline of Split Fiction.
The premise of Split Fiction is intriguing – the game follows two writers, Mio and Zoe, who find themselves trapped in worlds they have created. Imagine the layers of creativity: as they navigate through different genres, including vibrant sci-fi and whimsical fantasy settings, they must work together using their unique skills to escape their own fictional labyrinth. This engaging narrative has won the hearts of players and critics alike, sparking significant interest from Hollywood.
According to a report by Variety, Story Kitchen is currently in talks and has been fielding offers from multiple major studios keen on securing the rights to this promising property. This rush highlights the increasing trend of Hollywood looking towards video games as a viable source of stories ripe for cinematic adaptation.
Despite the excitement surrounding Split Fiction, the adaptation of its predecessor, It Takes Two, has encountered challenges. Hazelight’s founder, Josef Fares, recently expressed concerns over the stalled development of the film adaptation by Amazon, saying, "The thing is, there's a lot of talk, but not a lot of walk. I don't know what's going on. Hopefully something. It would be cool to get something out of it, but my hopes are not so high." This statement underscores the potential hurdles that can arise in adapting popular games for the big screen.
Returning to Split Fiction, its immediate commercial success cannot be overlooked. Selling two million copies in a week showcases not only the quality of the game but also the appetite for its adaptation. This commercial appeal makes it an attractive option for studios. With Story Kitchen at the helm, assembling a capable team of writers, directors, and cast is now their primary focus. Already, there’s buzz around who might be involved, but specifics remain tightly under wraps.
The adaptation process, however, will surely face scrutiny. Adapting a game that heavily relies on interactive storytelling poses a unique challenge. How will filmmakers capture the essence of a game that is designed for player agency? Critics point out that much of what makes games like Split Fiction special lies in their interactivity, which can often be lost in translation to a linear format like film.
Yet, there is optimism. The plot of Split Fiction provides a rich foundation that could lend itself well to film, focusing on the themes of creativity and collaboration amidst the chaos of their invented worlds. People are already imagining their favorite moments translated into cinematic experiences.
As Story Kitchen and Hollywood studios race to secure their rights, the industry watches closely. The outcome of this bidding war could set a precedent for how the relationship between video games and the film industry evolves. Right now, it’s an exciting time for both players and filmmakers as they ponder the possibilities.
The narrative of two authors navigating their own stories provides a metaphor for the creative process itself. Just as Mio and Zoe face both fantastical and challenging situations in their fictional worlds, filmmakers too are stepping into a realm of creativity that requires innovation and collaboration to succeed in bringing Split Fiction to life.
As the dust from the bidding settles and the team for the adaptation is established, many are eager to see how these creative minds will tackle the world of Split Fiction. Meanwhile, Hazelight Studios is already on path for future projects, hinting that they are developing another game, ensuring their fans have much to look forward to.
As we await updates, the intersection of video games and film adaptation represents an exciting frontier in both industries. Will Split Fiction break new ground or join the ranks of mixed-success adaptations? Only time will tell, but for now, the anticipation is palpable.
