Split Fiction, the upcoming cooperative game from Hazelight Studios, is causing quite the buzz as it gears up for its debut on March 6, 2025. This exciting new title, developed by the studio known for their acclaimed game It Takes Two, recently showcased its official trailer during the PlayStation State of Play, igniting interest among gamers eager for fresh cooperative experiences.
Director Josef Fares has been vocal about his enthusiasm for cooperative play, claiming it gives players unique opportunities to bond and share adventures. “Other publishers aren't doing this, and it's crazy to me,” Fares stated, emphasizing the need for more split-screen gaming experiences. His comments come as gaming giants like Ubisoft face challenges with their decisions not to focus on cooperative gameplay.
Fares's frustration is particularly directed toward franchises such as Splinter Cell, the well-known stealth series by Ubisoft, which has not seen new entries for over a decade. Fares proposed, “Don't chicken out to do single-player; just say this is split-screen only,” urging publishers to embrace cooperative mechanics as they develop new games.
Split Fiction invites players to step beyond conventional gaming narratives. Players take on the roles of two writers who find themselves trapped within their own stories, facing monsters and obstacles threatening their creations. The game’s emphasis on communication and collaboration aims to create unforgettable moments as players navigate through its intricately crafted worlds.
Notably, the game went gold on January 29, 2025, marking its readiness for manufacturing and distribution. The anticipation is building as fans prepare for the adventure, which will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series. This release is not merely about gameplay; it’s about forging connections through shared challenges.
Within Split Fiction, teamwork is key. Players will explore fantasy and science-fiction realms, requiring them to master different mechanics to progress. The game offers flexible gameplay options, both locally and online via the Friend Pass, which allows two players to join forces, regardless of whether they own the game.
This focus on cooperation speaks to the heart of what Fares and Hazelight encapsulate: family and friends enduring struggles together, enhancing the gaming experience beyond solitary play. Fares's previous titles, including Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and A Way Out, similarly emphasized cooperative mechanics, so Split Fiction is following suit with expectations of delivering another captivating narrative.
The trailer released at the February State of Play event revealed glimpses of the game's carefully crafted environment, where players’ decisions and actions directly influence the outcome. Players will find joy not just in overcoming challenges, but also in the shared experience of storytelling.
“Can you rise to it?” the promotional material challenges players, hinting at the depth and excitement lying within Split Fiction. With the game still months away from release, the developer continues to build anticipation, promising to take co-op gaming to another level.
For fans of cooperative play, this is not just another game; it's potentially the revival of the joy found in shared experiences. Back during the PS3 era, split-screen games were far more common, with titles like Resistance: Fall of Man and the Army of Two series offering memorable cooperative gameplay experiences. Fares aims to reignite those memories for modern-day gamers.
Anticipation continues to build as players wait to immerse themselves once again in the collaborative worlds promised by Split Fiction. Will it live up to the legacy and expand upon the enchanting foundation laid by its predecessors? Time will tell, but excitement is palpable. For now, fans can keep their fingers crossed, hoping Split Fiction will exceed expectations this March.