If you’ve ever dived into a game from Hazelight Studios, you’re likely familiar with their knack for crafting characters bursting with personality, rich backstories, and compelling motivations. As the narrative unfolds, you’re left with some truly unforgettable gaming moments alongside your co-op partner.
Hazelight continues this tradition with their latest offering, Split Fiction, set to debut on the PS5 on March 6. Meet Mio and Zoe, the protagonists in this new escapade. These two budding authors couldn’t be more different, and their first encounter at the Rader Publishing Headquarters seems promising—until things take an unexpected turn. Caught in a simulation of their own stories, with no clear way out, your mission is to guide them to freedom. Let’s delve into what makes these characters tick so you can pick your side when the game lands in your hands.
First up, we have Mio Hudson, the Sci-Fi author. She’s the quiet, practical type—an introvert at heart. She’s been living hand-to-mouth with her father in the city, driven more by the need to pay the bills than a quest for literary fame. Her passion for science fiction finds expression in tales of sprawling cyberpunk cities and the stark void of space. When immersed in the simulation, her sci-fi prowess translates into mind-bending abilities, like mastering gravity as a ninja, commanding drones with an exosuit, or blazing through enemies with futuristic weaponry.
Then there’s Zoe Foster, our Fantasy writer. Bright and gregarious, she brings a spark wherever she goes, fueled by the desire to prove her worth back home in the countryside. For Zoe, fantasy isn’t just a genre—it’s a gateway to enchanted worlds and epic quests, from battling trolls to preserving the legacy of dragons. As you explore her simulation, expect to find her wielding magic, shapeshifting into mystical beings, or soaring through ethereal islands.
Mio and Zoe are perfect foils for each other, but to escape their literary labyrinth, they’ll need to embrace their differences, unearth hidden truths, and above all, forge a bond through friendship.
Announced during The Game Awards in December, Josef Fares shared a touching detail: the characters’ names, Mio and Zoe, hold personal significance, as they are the names of his daughters.
Now, the choice is yours and your gaming partner’s: will you step into the shoes of Mio or Zoe?
Let’s not forget about Hazelight’s famous Friend’s Pass. This feature makes a comeback, ensuring that a friend can join the adventure without needing to own the game, and crossplay is on the horizon, making it even easier to team up with pals across different platforms.
Mark your calendars: Split Fiction is arriving on PlayStation 5 on March 6, 2025.
Note: The Friend’s Pass requires the free Friends Pass installation, a stable internet connection, and respective platform accounts. One player must have the complete game to enable the co-op experience.