Split Fiction Proves That Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Hazelight Studios has followed up its last hit, It Takes Two, with genre-bending Split Fiction, shifting gears to a story that tells the tale of two aspiring fiction writers having to work together. Split Fiction has managed the seemingly impossible task of meeting the wild expectations that It Takes Two put into place back in 2021.

This time around, Hazelight Studios introduces Mio and Zoe, two writers who end up sucked into a virtual reality device, aptly named The Machine, that brings their ideas to life. The kicker, though, is that Mio loves sci-fi, but Zoe is a fantasy lover, and that isn’t where their personality differences stop, either. As the two struggle to work together to escape The Machine, the game switches back and forth from sci-fi levels to fantasy settings, presenting an exciting genre tug-of-war. The game’s premise is one of its biggest selling points, but one of the unsung heroes of Split Fiction is its length.

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After Split Fiction, Hazelight Studios Will Be Facing an Uphill Battle

Hazelight Studios has brought gamers another co-op hit with Split Fiction, but the developer could have a tricky road ahead of it.

Split Fiction Doesn’t Overstay Its Welcome

How Long is Split Fiction?

• For players who just spend time with the main story, Split Fiction can be expected to be between 10 to 12 hours in length.
• Side stories add an extra 2 to 3 hours, so those who are completionists can expect a slightly longer experience.

The length of Split Fiction makes it a perfect title for couples and friends to enjoy over the weekend. For those who are particularly locked in, Split Fiction could even be completed in a day if desired. Split Fiction has drawn in a lot of players already, and its length is bound to be a deciding factor for gamers who also have busy lives. Not every video game lover has hours upon hours to spend playing a game, and a shorter length like Split Fiction‘s is a big bonus for those with a packed schedule.

Not only is a short length beneficial for Split Fiction, but the constantly changing levels and mechanics help the story fly by. Just as it was with It Takes Two, Hazelight Studios once again makes sure that every new mechanic and setting is only used for as long as it needs to be. It’s easy for gameplay features to become repetitive over time, especially several hours in. However, as soon as one mechanic begins to lose its charm, another one pops up in its place, bringing something fresh to the table.

For a game like Split Fiction, giving two players enough of a story and a fun experience while also not dragging on beyond a reasonable amount of time is crucial. Thankfully, Hazelight Studios does this quite well. The story takes the players into consideration, understanding that taking on a co-op game that is too lengthy is a daunting task.

Split Fiction is Off to a Strong Start

• Split Fiction has sold one million copies in its first 48 hours.
• This officially breaks It Takes Two‘s early sales record.

The numbers for Split Fiction are looking great so far. Between Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Split Fiction, 2025 has seen some powerful launches, and it’s only three months into the year. Strong sales numbers combined with overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and players could put Split Fiction in the running for a Game of the Year nomination.

Of course, the year is still young, and with 2025’s stacked calendar, narrowing down Game of the Year nominations is bound to be a harrowing task. However, even if it doesn’t get such a nomination, Split Fiction is a great genre exploration that players can enjoy despite the busy nature of life.

Game

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Action

Adventure

Sci-Fi

Fantasy

OpenCritic

Top Critic Rating:
90/100


Critics Recommend:
98%

Released

March 6, 2025

ESRB

T For Teen // Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Language, Violence

Publisher(s)

Electronic Arts