Split Fiction has taken the gaming world by storm since its release on March 6, 2025. This co-op title from Hazelight Studios has already claimed three Guinness World Records, showing that local co-op gaming still has a huge following. With nearly 200,000 players jumping in on launch day and 2 million copies sold in its first week, it’s no surprise this game is everywhere right now. So, what’s driving this movement? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s the Game About?
Split Fiction puts you and a friend in control of two characters: Mio Hudson and Zoe Foster, authors stuck inside their own stories. One’s in a sci-fi world, and the other is in a fantasy setting, and you play together, either on the same screen or online, to get them out of a multiverse of chaos. The game mixes puzzles, platforming, and action, all powered by Unreal Engine 5’s sharp graphics. If you’ve tried Hazelight’s earlier hit, It Takes Two, you’ll recognize their focus on co-op that demands real teamwork. Want to know more about co-op games like this? Check out our Multiplayer category over at Total Apex Gaming.
The Three World Records
This game didn’t just do well; it set records. According to Guinness World Records, Split Fiction now holds:
- Most played local co-op videogame on Steam: 197,434 players at once in the first 24 hours.
- Most sold local co-op videogame within 48 hours: Over 1 million copies.
- Most sold local co-op videogame within one week: 2 million copies total.
These stats are impressive for any game, but especially for one built around local co-op. Eurogamer pointed out how fast it took off, calling it a standout in the genre.
What Players and Critics Are Saying
The feedback has been strong. On Steam, it’s sitting at a 98% positive rating from almost 40,000 reviews. Players love the fresh ideas, one review said it’s “the best co-op game since It Takes Two.” On X, a user named @Steinekin posted, “Congratulations!!! Halfway through the game and loving it so much!!” Over on Reddit’s r/Gaming, people are sharing funny clips and praising its design.
Critics agree. IGN gave it high marks, saying it’s “expertly crafted” for co-op fans. PC Gamer talked to Hazelight’s founder, Josef Fares, who said the goal was to bring people together through gaming. It’s working.
Why It’s a Big Deal
Split Fiction isn’t just breaking records, it’s a win for local co-op in an industry full of online only titles. Hazelight has a history of sticking to this style, and the game’s success shows there’s still demand for it.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got someone to play with, Split Fiction is worth a look. Its record-breaking start and fun gameplay make it a standout. Grab a friend, start it up, and see why it’s got everyone going back to split-screen like the good old days.
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