Exploring the Uncharted: Josef Fares on How Split Fiction Revolutionizes Co-Op Adventures

Naturally, undertaking a project like Split Fiction is no small feat. The game constantly surprises players by rolling out new mechanics approximately every fifteen minutes and then discarding the old ones. The challenge lies in ensuring that each innovation doesn’t feel incomplete or rushed.

“Take, for instance, a section in Split Fiction where you get to ride dragons,” shared one of the developers. “Creating just one of those dragons took around eight months. Early in my career, my team often questioned, ‘Why are we pouring so much effort into something players will experience for merely ten minutes?'”

However, here’s the deal. In filmmaking, a powerful scene isn’t reused just because it came with a hefty price tag. The same principle applies to gaming—experiences that are rare and unique maintain their impact precisely because they aren’t overused. There’s a common notion in video game development that expensive assets must be reused to justify their cost. But why? Reusing these elements can diminish the wonder and excitement of that initial encounter.

Split Fiction embraces this philosophy fully by offering extensive segments of optional content. While It Takes Two included mini-games sprinkled throughout, the optional areas in Split Fiction, accessible via portals, elevate this concept substantially.

“In these portals, you’re met with entirely new worlds, introducing fresh mechanics, bosses, and environments. It’s genuinely like discovering a brand-new game nestled within the existing one,” the team explained.

This approach invites players to embark on new adventures, offering them choices about how deeply they want to dive into the game’s universe, providing unparalleled richness and diversity in the gaming experience.