Split Fiction has proven to be one of the best-reviewed games of the year, so far, as Hazelight Studios continues its impressive streak of crafting compelling co-op games. As a developer, Hazelight Studios has been focused on pushing the boundaries of co-op gameplay, and Split Fiction is another strong demonstration of just how successful this approach to storytelling can be.
The premise of Split Fiction lends itself to imaginative level design. Fiction writers Zoe and Mio are transported into a machine that brings their story concepts to life. Zoe writes fantasy, while Mio writes sci-fi, and the game bounces back and forth between these genres, offering players an incredibly diverse experience. With Zoe and Mio having conflicting personalities, the two learning how to work together makes up the heart of the story, and strangely enough, this same format could possibly work wonders for a Star Wars game.
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Split Fiction Proves That Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Split Fiction tells a story of fantasy and sci-fi, but one of its greatest strengths is that it doesn’t overstay its welcome.
If a Co-Op Star Wars Game is Ever Made, Split Fiction Should Serve as the Blueprint
A Co-Op Star Wars Project Has Two Compelling Avenues to Explore
- A Jedi Master and their Padawan
- Jedi and Sith being forced to band together
One of the most important aspects of Star Wars lore is the path to becoming a Jedi Knight. Training through the ranks is essential, and the Master and Padawan relationship is important to this growth. A co-op take on Star Wars would be the perfect stage to explore deeper into the dynamics of a Padawan and their Master. Having the duo stuck in a situation where they must work as a team, with the Padawan ultimately becoming a far more capable Jedi by the end of the story, would seem like a perfect route for a game to take.
However, another compelling road would be a story that forces a Jedi and Sith to work as a team in order to defeat an even greater threat. Two characters who were once friends but journeyed down different paths and are forced to reunite would be a compelling angle. This could set the stage for a story where both characters are opened to the other’s point of view, which might be a great way to add a deeper emotional layer.
As a developer, Hazelight Studios has been focused on pushing the boundaries of co-op gameplay.
Either way, both scenarios taking note of the Split Fiction formula might prove to be the best way to shake up the Star Wars gaming world. The Star Wars Jedi franchise is set to wrap up with the third chapter, and Star Wars Outlaws didn’t hit the highs many were hoping for. So, a Split Fiction-style take on the Star Wars lore has the potential to be an exciting change of pace.
A recent report from Variety claims that a Split Fiction movie could even be in the works.
Split Fiction’s Co-Op Storytelling is Perfect for Star Wars’ Love of Compelling Partnerships
A Way Out and It Takes Two by Hazelight brought two great teamwork-focused stories to life, and it was hard to imagine Split Fiction one-upping its predecessors. However, Hazelight was somehow able to catch lightning in a bottle a third time, and it will be exciting to see if this trio of games influences other developers.
Detroit: Become Human developer Quantic Dream is currently working on an ambitious Star Wars game titled Star Wars Eclipse.
Star Wars has a history of featuring interesting duos, which makes it a perfect franchise to find inspiration in Split Fiction. Of course, this type of game has yet to be confirmed, if at all, but until then, Split Fiction itself remains a well-crafted game that shows how inventive co-op stories can be.
Split Fiction
- Released
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March 6, 2025
- ESRB
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T For Teen // Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Language, Violence
- Publisher(s)
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Electronic Arts
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 5