Split Fiction Co-Op Adventure: It Takes Two Developer
Split Fiction is a two-player co-op action-adventure game, and its developer is Hazelight Studios, the same studio behind the 2021 game It Takes Two. You play as two characters, Mio and Zoe, who are trapped inside a machine that mixes their fictional worlds, and you must work together to escape. The game is designed exclusively for two players, either online or in local split-screen, and it does not have a single-player mode.
Hazelight Studios and Josef Fares
Hazelight Studios is a Swedish video game developer founded in 2014 by Josef Fares, a film director turned game designer. The studio gained widespread recognition with A Way Out (2018) and then It Takes Two (2021), which won the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards in 2021. Hazelight is known for its focus on cooperative multiplayer games, and Split Fiction continues that tradition. The studio is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and is backed by Electronic Arts, which publishes the game under its EA Originals label.
What Is Split Fiction?
Split Fiction is a co-op action-adventure game that blends science fiction and fantasy elements. The story follows Mio, a science fiction writer, and Zoe, a fantasy writer, who are invited to a technology company that promises to help them create stories. A machine called the Idea Machine goes wrong, and the two are trapped inside their own fictional worlds. To escape, they must navigate a series of levels that alternate between sci-fi and fantasy settings, solving puzzles and fighting enemies together. The game emphasizes cooperation, with each level requiring both characters to use their unique abilities in tandem.
How the Co-Op Works
Split Fiction is strictly a two-player game, and there is no AI partner or single-player option. You can play with a friend online through cross-platform play, or on the same console using split-screen. The game supports cross-play between PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Each player controls one of the two protagonists, and the gameplay is designed so that both players have distinct skills that complement each other. For example, one character might have a grappling hook while the other has a shield, and you must use both to progress. The game also includes a feature called “Friend’s Pass,� which allows a friend who does not own the game to play online with you for free, as long as you own the full game.
Gameplay and Level Design
The game is built around a series of levels that shift between sci-fi and fantasy themes. In sci-fi levels, you might explore a cyberpunk city or a space station, while fantasy levels might feature dragons, castles, and magic. Each level introduces new mechanics, so you are constantly learning new ways to interact with the environment and with each other. The game also includes a variety of minigames and side activities that break up the main story, such as racing on hoverbikes or playing a game of table tennis. The levels are designed to encourage communication and coordination, and many puzzles require one player to perform an action that enables the other to advance.
System Requirements and Platforms
Split Fiction is available on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It is not available on older consoles like PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. For PC, the minimum requirements include an Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a GeForce GTX 970 or Radeon RX 470 graphics card. The recommended requirements are higher, with an Intel Core i7-11700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, 16 GB of RAM, and a GeForce RTX 2070 or Radeon RX 5700 XT. The game requires a stable internet connection for online co-op, and it supports both voice chat and text chat.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that Split Fiction is a sequel to It Takes Two. While it is from the same developer and shares the co-op formula, it is a standalone game with a different story and characters. Another question is whether you can play solo; the answer is no, the game is designed for two players only. Some players wonder if the game is family-friendly; it is rated T for Teen, with mild language and fantasy violence, but it is generally suitable for older children and teens. Another frequent question is about the length of the game; a typical playthrough takes about 12 to 15 hours, depending on how much time you spend on side activities.
Comparing Split Fiction to It Takes Two
Split Fiction and It Takes Two share many similarities, as both are co-op action-adventure games from Hazelight. However, there are key differences. It Takes Two is about a married couple who are transformed into dolls, and the story is centered on their relationship. Split Fiction is about two writers who are strangers, and the story focuses on their creative worlds and their growing friendship. In terms of gameplay, Split Fiction offers a wider variety of settings due to the sci-fi/fantasy split, while It Takes Two is more grounded in everyday environments. Both games require two players, and both feature the Friend’s Pass system. If you enjoyed It Takes Two, you will likely enjoy Split Fiction, but it is not a direct continuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Split Fiction a single-player game? No, Split Fiction is exclusively a two-player co-op game. There is no single-player mode, and the game cannot be played with an AI companion. You must have a friend or a second player to play.
Do I need to own the game to play with a friend? No, thanks to the Friend’s Pass, one player can own the game and invite a friend to play online for free. The friend needs to download the Friend’s Pass version, but they do not need to purchase the full game.
Can I play Split Fiction on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One? No, the game is only available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It is not compatible with older generation consoles.
How long is Split Fiction? The main story takes about 12 to 15 hours to complete, but it can take longer if you explore all the side content and minigames.
Is Split Fiction similar to It Takes Two? Yes, both games are co-op action-adventure games from the same developer, Hazelight Studios. However, they have different stories, characters, and settings. Split Fiction is not a sequel, but it follows the same cooperative gameplay formula.
Does Split Fiction have cross-play? Yes, the game supports cross-play across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, so you can play with friends on different platforms.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.