Split Fiction: The early months of 2025 have seen a wave of major game releases, but one title from Hazelight Studios, Split Fiction, has managed to steal the spotlight from the global gaming community. Released as the spiritual successor to It Takes Two, the game not only brings an innovative cooperative gameplay formula, but has also proven itself a true streaming phenomenon.

Split Fiction

According to the latest report from Streams Charts, which highlights the most-watched games of Q1 2025, Split Fiction is now considered a serious contender for Game of the Year 2025.

Surpassing Its Predecessor's Popularity

Hazelight rose to prominence after winning Game of the Year in 2021 with It Takes Two. Now, Split Fiction carries that legacy forward with even greater appeal. Based on data from Streams Charts—which analyzes over 43 million channels across Twitch, YouTube, Kick, and more—Split Fiction has racked up an impressive number of watch hours, making it one of the most-watched releases in Q1 2025.

Its popularity has even exceeded that of its predecessor and managed to compete closely with AAA titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, which amassed over 34 million watch hours in its first week. With nearly comparable numbers, Split Fiction has become a fan-favorite not only to play but to watch.

Built to Be Watched, Not Just Played

One of the keys to Split Fiction's success is its ability to bridge the experience between players and viewers. With a strong narrative, Hazelight's signature humor, and evolving co-op mechanics, the game offers a captivating experience from beginning to end—making it perfect for streaming content.

This trend is echoed by Nazar Babenko, Product Manager at Streams Charts, who stated that games designed with a "streaming-native" approach—that is, made to be as enjoyable to watch as they are to play—have a higher chance of going viral. Split Fiction is a perfect example of that design philosophy.

Streaming as a New Measure of Success

The data from Streams Charts shows that success on livestreaming platforms is now a major indicator of a game’s overall impact. While physical and digital sales were once the primary benchmarks, today, watch time and community engagement across platforms like Twitch and YouTube play a crucial role in shaping public perception and long-term success.

With sky-high viewership numbers and strong community response, Split Fiction has all the makings of a top contender in this year’s award season.

Split Fiction is more than just a critical and gameplay success—it’s a streaming juggernaut. With nearly 34 million hours watched in such a short span, its massive popularity makes it a prime candidate for Game of the Year 2025. If the trend continues, Hazelight could make history with two GotY titles in a single decade—a rare feat few studios can claim.

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