Universal Acclaim — And the Numbers to Match

Split Fiction received "universal acclaim" from critics according to Metacritic, with OpenCritic reporting that 98% of critics recommended the game. It sold over 1 million units within two days of release, surpassed 2 million units in its first week, and had sold over 4 million copies worldwide by May 6, 2025. 

The critical quotes speak for themselves. GameSpot called it a "contender for the best game of 2025" and awarded it 10/10, GameReactor called it "a co-op masterpiece" with a perfect 10, and Inverse named it "the best co-op experience you can play today." 

The Story: Sci-Fi Meets Fantasy in a War Against AI

Mio and Zoe are contrasting writers — one writes sci-fi, the other writes fantasy — who become trapped in their own stories after being hooked up to a machine designed to steal their creative ideas. They must rely on each other to break free with their memories intact, working together to master a variety of abilities and overcome diverse challenges while jumping between sci-fi and fantasy worlds in this unexpected tale of friendship. 

The plot is a direct commentary on generative AI infiltrating the game industry — a corporation stealing the ideas of writers right out of their heads — making it one of the most culturally relevant game narratives of the year. 

Gameplay: It Takes Two on Steroids

Hazelight invented a concept that lets them use both sci-fi and fantasy elements, allowing them to do just about anything they could possibly think of. Split Fiction feels like It Takes Two on steroids — taking the core gameplay concepts from their previous game and creating even wilder scenarios, while brushing up on fundamentals in impactful ways. 

One minute you're taming adorable dragons, the next you're fighting as cyber ninjas, escaping terrifying trolls, or dodging hover cars thrown by a robotic parking attendant. The game overflows with creativity, constantly throwing a whirlwind of fresh gameplay styles and heartfelt homages at the player. 

The side stories are a highlight unto themselves. There are 12 side stories in the game — smaller works of creativity from Zoe and Mio — that players are compelled to complete not just for trophies, but out of a genuine desire to protect the characters' creative work from being stolen. 

The Friend's Pass: One Copy, Two Players

You only need to buy one copy — anyone on any platform the game is on can play with you, whether on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, or PC. The fact that they sold 1 million copies in the first 48 hours of release shows they are doing something right. 

It's a business model as generous as the game itself — and one that perfectly reflects Hazelight's philosophy of putting fun above profit.

Available Everywhere — Including Nintendo Switch 2

Split Fiction was released for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on March 6, 2025, and was released on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5  — bringing the full co-op experience to Nintendo's hybrid platform just months after launch.

A Film Is Already in Development

The success of Split Fiction moved so fast that Hollywood came knocking almost immediately. Just two weeks after its release, it was announced that a film adaptation was in development, with Story Kitchen putting together the film's cast, writers, and director. 

The Verdict: Game of the Year 2025

Split Fiction is a heartfelt cooperative adventure that celebrates friendship and teamwork with consistently engaging mechanics that never overstay their welcome. Hazelight Studios has once again pushed the boundaries of the co-op genre — leaving us eager to see what they'll create next. 

Split Fiction is proof that the best games don't need massive open worlds, $300 million budgets, or live service models. They just need two people, one screen, and a studio that genuinely loves making games.

Grab a friend. Buy one copy. Play it this weekend. You won't regret it.