4 million copies of Split Fiction have been sold in just forty days since its release on March 6, 2025. Developed by Hazelight Studios, this narrative cooperative game has surpassed the performance of its predecessor, It Takes Two, which won Game of the Year in 2021. Josef Fares expresses controlled pride over this achievement, while the official Twitter account thanks players for their support. Split Fiction’s concept is both ambitious and masterful: two authors trapped within their own stories must collaborate to escape. The game features a brilliant idea, a dense narrative, and gameplay that constantly shifts between platforming, puzzle-solving, combat, and narrative investigation. Critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with an 89/100 score on Metacritic and 90 on OpenCritic, and 98% of reviews being favorable. This represents a rare consensus in the often-divided video game community. As with previous Hazelight titles, Split Fiction does not support solo play; it is designed for two players, either locally or online, facilitated by the Friend’s Pass system which allows one player to experience the game at no cost.
The phenomenon does not end there. A film adaptation is currently in development, directed by Jon M. Chu (known for “Crazy Rich Asians”) and starring Sydney Sweeney as the lead. The screenplay will be written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, the creative team behind “Deadpool” and “Zombieland.” This approach aims to appeal broadly while maintaining the game’s core message: collaboration is both a narrative element and an essential human trait. Starting June 5, 2025, Split Fiction will be available on Switch 2, anticipated to boost sales significantly. In a market dominated by generic open-world games, Split Fiction stands out as a unique manifesto. Josef Fares, the developer, aims to tell stories rather than just make games; his vision encourages collaboration for two players and beyond. This approach is commendable.
