If you’ve dabbled with a Hazelight Studios game before, you’re well aware of the vivid personalities, intricate backstories, and compelling motivations they craft for player characters, resulting in unforgettable shared experiences.
Hazelight is sticking to this creative formula with their latest offering, Split Fiction, set to hit the PlayStation 5 on March 6. In this adventure, you and your co-op partner will step into the shoes of two contrasting characters: Mio and Zoe, both unpublished authors. It all kicks off when they’re drawn into Rader Publishing Headquarters with the tantalizing prospect of a publishing deal. Unfortunately, things take a dark turn, trapping them within a simulation of their own stories, and it’s up to you to guide them to freedom. Let’s delve into these characters a bit more so you can decide which one strikes your fancy as you prepare to dive into this exciting game.
Mio Hudson, a science fiction writer, is your classic introvert—calm, decisive, and grounded. Raised by her dad in the hustle and bustle of urban life, she’s been living on the financial edge lately. Fame isn’t her endgame; she’s driven by the need to earn a living. Her love for sci-fi shines through her tales, which are set in neon-tinged cyberpunk landscapes, formidable futuristic weapon facilities, and the vast expanse of space. As she navigates the simulations, expect Mio to channel her sci-fi passion, morphing into a gravity-defying ninja with a cutting-edge energy sword, donning an advanced exosuit to control drones, or engaging in combat with dual laser blasters.
Then there’s Zoe Foster, a fantasy author who’s as charismatic and optimistic as they come. This country girl is driven by the desire to show her family she’s not a failure, banking on a publishing deal to turn her fortunes around. Her fictional worlds brim with adventure, from towns besieged by trolls to icy forest battles and quests to save the last of the dragons. Inside the simulations, don’t be surprised to see Zoe soaring through skies as a shapeshifting fairy, wielding a legendary sword atop a dragon, or gliding between floating isles with a magical kite.
Their starkly different personalities mean Mio and Zoe will need to navigate their differences, uncover hidden truths, and realize that teamwork and friendship are their ticket to escape.
During The Game Awards in December, Josef Fares opened up about the personal significance of their names—Mio and Zoe are actually named after his daughters.
Now comes the fun question for you and your gaming buddy: Who’s team Mio and who’s team Zoe?
Let’s not forget Hazelight Studios’ nifty Friend’s Pass feature makes a comeback with Split Fiction. Similar to A Way Out and It Takes Two, this allows a player who owns the game to invite a friend to join the online adventure for free! They’re also rolling out crossplay, simplifying the process of teaming up with pals across different platforms.
Mark your calendars, because Split Fiction hits PlayStation 5 on March 6, 2025.
Bear in mind, using the Friend’s Pass requires its installation, a steady internet connection, and a relevant platform account. One player must own the full game for the other to enjoy the complete co-op experience.
