EA and Hazelight Studios With "Split Fiction: Friend Edition," they've introduced an innovation that aims to revolutionize co-op gaming—by simply removing one of the biggest obstacles: a lack of friends. This special edition includes not only the game and a second controller, but also Greg. A real person. Delivered by mail. Because, why not?
Greg, officially the first boyfriend to be unpacked, is thrilled: "I'm honored to be the first living bonus content to be part of a game. When Josef Fares told me to get in the box, I had some reservations. But hey, it's really comfortable. I'm looking forward to being sent all over the world, making new friends, and jumping out of the box with a big high-five."
A friendship to unpack
With the Friend Edition, EA and Hazelight Studios are addressing a problem that plagues many co-op games: you need someone to play with. So, anyone who previously had to struggle through Discord, forums, and social media in search of a co-op partner can now simply order the premium bundle – and get the perfect teammate included.
Naturally, there is some criticism of the concept. Scott Forrest, Chief Publishing Officer at EA, seemed less than enthusiastic when it was announced: "What are you planning?! No, of course we didn't approve that! Why on earth would you send people through the mail when they can just as easily join Discord and play together for free using the Friends Pass?"
But as they say, innovation requires sacrifice. And if that sacrifice is Greg, and he's willing to be transported from point A to point B in a box, then so be it. According to Hazelight, even more friends will be selectable in the future – from enthusiastic gamers to patient explainers who are happy to repeat, even on the third hour, which button to press to jump.
For those who couldn't get their hands on the Friend Edition: Crossplay and the Friend Pass remain an option. So, if you don't want your co-op partner physically delivered to you, you can still enjoy the game. But let's be honest: Who would want that?
Of course, the whole thing is meant as a joke and an entertaining reference to the popular Friends Pass, which can be used even without sending anything by post.
"Split Fiction“ will be officially released on March 06th.
