Summary
The recently launched co-op action-adventure titleSplit Fictionfrom Hazelight Studios has already been off to a massively successful start, and the major milestones continue to pile up, as the early preparations for a full film adaptation of the game are now in the works.Split Fictionhas received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and audiences, and the sci-fi fantasy adventure is looking to quickly make its way to the silver screen.
Released on March 6,Split Fictionsees players taking on the co-op roles of Mio and Zoe, two writers who have been thrown into a surreal simulation of their wildest stories. Players are tasked with working together to overcome a number of challenges and enemies, while also learning more about the two protagonists and the journeys that have led them to their present situation. A number ofvideo game film and TV adaptationshave found success in recent years, and it would seem the early high marks forSplit Fictionhave proven promising enough to spur a leap to Hollywood.
Revealed toVarietyby sources at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, the media company Story Kitchen is currently in the process of compiling a cast, writers, and director for a film adaptation ofSplit Fiction. Story Kitchen is offering these teams as a “package,” and offers for the rights to the movie are “coming in from multiple top Hollywood studios.” The game itself features split-screen cooperative gameplay and transitions between medieval high fantasy and futuristic science fiction, with many fans already keeping their fingers crossed that the present bidding war will result in a big budget adaptation. There are currently no details on whether the adaptation will be live action or animated, leaving audiences to speculate whetherSplit Fictioncould become thenextSuper Mario Bros. Movieor if it will follow a similar path toThe Last of UsandFallout.
Upcoming Video Game Adaptations
In addition toSplit Fiction, several other major video game titles and franchises are already in the process of getting the blockbuster treatment. Sony previously announced alive-action adaptation ofHorizon Zero DawnandHelldivers 2, along with an anime-style television series onGhost of Tsushima. Both theMinecraftandUntil Dawnfilms are currently slated for release in April, and a brand-newSilent Hillmovie titledReturn to Silent Hillis said to be in post-production ahead of an unannounced 2025 theatrical release. How soonSplit Fictiongets picked up by a producer or distributor remains to be seen, but if the adaptation can be as popular as the game, it could mark a major achievement for Hazelight Studios.
The growingsuccess ofSplit Fictionbodes well for a cinematic experience, though audiences may want to temper expectations, as pre-production, principal photography, and post-production can take years to fully wrap. As such, interested fans will want to stay tuned for any updates on the status of theSplit Fictionmovie and other exciting updates on Hazelight’s future projects.
