If you’ve had the chance to dive into a Hazelight Studios game before, then you know exactly how they craft their characters. Each protagonist, meant for you and your co-op partner, is brimming with distinct personalities, backstories, and motivations that make their unfolding narratives truly memorable.
Hazelight Studios is back with this magic in Split Fiction, set to release on March 6 for PS5. Get ready to step into the shoes of Mio and Zoe, two unpublished writers whose paths couldn’t be more different. As the game kicks off, you find them at the mysterious Rader Publishing Headquarters, drawn in by the tantalizing promise of a publishing deal that takes a bizarre turn. Suddenly, they’re trapped within simulations of their own stories, and it’s up to you to guide them to freedom. Today, we’re taking a closer look at who Mio and Zoe really are, helping you decide which character you’ll champion once it’s game on.
Meet Mio Hudson, the science fiction savant. She’s reserved, decisive, and has a realist streak. An introvert to her core, Mio has been living just on the edge in the heart of the city alongside her father. Fame isn’t her goal—she’s in it for the monetary gain. Her passion for science fiction is splashed throughout her literary creations, which come to life in neon-drenched cyberpunk landscapes, gritty futuristic arsenals, and the stark expanse of outer space.
Once sucked into her own sci-fi simulation, Mio becomes a force to be reckoned with. Picture her as a gravity-defying ninja, brandishing an energy sword with lethal finesse, or dressed in an advanced exosuit taking command of drones. Or even dual-wielding laser blasters clad in futuristic combat gear—her love for sci-fi couldn’t be clearer.
And then there’s Zoe Foster, the vibrant fantasy author. Brimming with charisma, empathy, and optimism, she’s an extrovert full of life. Growing up in the countryside, she longs to prove her worth to her family and sees a publishing deal as her ticket out. Her fantasy worlds are filled with tales of daring escapes from troll-invaded towns, epic battles against encroaching ice ages, and the noble quest to save the last dragons from annihilation.
Inside her whimsical simulations, Zoe embodies magic and adventure. Imagine her morphing into a fairy, soaring across magical lands. Picture her wielding an enchanted sword astride a dragon, or dancing between floating islands with the aid of a mystical kite.
Despite their stark differences, Mio and Zoe must learn to see beyond the surface, unravel inner secrets, and harness the power of teamwork and friendship to break free from their narrative prisons.
During The Game Awards in December, Josef Fares shared a personal tidbit—these characters’ names hold special meaning for him, as they are named after his daughters, Mio and Zoe.
Now here’s the question: in this co-op journey, who will take on the role of Mio, and who will become Zoe? Time for you and your gaming partner to decide!
The Friend’s Pass is back in action too. Just like with A Way Out and It Takes Two, this handy feature allows the game owner to invite a friend to play online for free. On top of that, Hazelight plans to bring crossplay into the mix, which will make teaming up with friends across different platforms a breeze.
Mark your calendars because Split Fiction is slated to hit the PlayStation 5 on March 6, 2025.
*Remember: The Friend’s Pass requires the installation of the Friend’s Pass, a stable internet connection, and the relevant platform account. One player must own the complete game for their co-op partner to join the full adventure.
