Hazelight Studios, the acclaimed developer behind cooperative hits like A Way Out and It Takes Two, has unveiled its next project: Split Fiction. This upcoming co-op adventure plunges players into the intertwined narratives of sisters Mio and Zoe, aspiring writers who find themselves trapped within their own stories. Set to launch on PC and consoles on March 6, 2025, Split Fiction promises a unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements, complete with flying pigs and a thrilling quest to reclaim their authorship.
The game’s premise sees Mio and Zoe navigating a fantastical landscape, battling a nefarious publishing company attempting to steal their creative work. Players will need to collaborate closely to solve puzzles, overcome challenges, and ultimately escape the literary world they’ve been drawn into.
Split Fiction Teaser ImageMio and Zoe in a scene from Split Fiction
Hazelight Studios first teased the new IP in October, hinting at the cooperative gameplay and revealing the protagonists’ names. Studio founder Josef Fares later confirmed the names were inspired by his own daughters. A recent studio tour provided a glimpse into the development process, with Fares showcasing motion capture sessions featuring actors Kaja Chan and Elsie Bennett rehearsing scenes.
Founded in 2014 by Josef Fares, Hazelight Studios has quickly established itself as a leading force in cooperative gaming. Fares’ prior success with Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons laid the groundwork for the studio’s focus on collaborative experiences. Their debut title, A Way Out (2018), followed two convicts escaping prison, utilizing a unique split-screen perspective that emphasized teamwork. The game garnered attention not only for its innovative gameplay but also for Fares’ outspoken criticism of microtransactions and the Academy Awards’ perception of video games.
A Way Out achieved both critical and commercial success, selling over one million copies within two weeks and receiving a nomination for Best Game Direction at The Game Awards 2018. Hazelight followed this triumph with It Takes Two (2021), a critically acclaimed co-op adventure about a divorcing couple transformed into dolls. The game swept awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021. A film adaptation of It Takes Two is currently in development with Amazon, dj2 Entertainment, and Seven Bucks Productions.
It Takes Two GameplayCody and May navigating a level in It Takes Two
Split Fiction marks the next chapter in Hazelight’s dedication to innovative and emotionally engaging cooperative experiences. With its intriguing premise and the studio’s proven track record, the game is poised to be another hit for fans of narrative-driven co-op adventures.
