Split Fiction, the much-talked-about narrative-driven adventure game, has generated a significant amount of interest among gamers and critics alike. Known for its deeply immersive storytelling, branching narratives, and stylized visuals, the question on many gamers’ minds is simple: Is Split Fiction available on Game Pass? In this article, we will take a closer look at the game’s availability, explore its presence (or absence) on Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service, and offer alternatives for interested players.
TLDR: Is Split Fiction on Game Pass?
No, Split Fiction is currently not available on Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass. Though many fans had hoped it would join the library, developers have not yet confirmed any plans to bring it to the subscription service. The game must be purchased directly through standard digital or physical storefronts for now. That said, its availability may change in the future, and it’s worth keeping an eye on updates from the publisher.
What Is Split Fiction?
Split Fiction is a story-rich, semi-open world game that features dual protagonists whose stories unfold in parallel across different timelines and realities. With a focus on player choice and narrative branching, the game offers dozens of possible outcomes, making replayability one of its key strengths.
The game debuted to strong critical reception for its exceptional writing, deep character development, and unique art style. Developers at Karanis Interactive described it as a “new benchmark in interactive fiction”. Naturally, this prompted questions from the player community about whether the game would be available via Game Pass, allowing subscribers to dive in at no additional cost.
Is Split Fiction Currently on Game Pass?
As of the time of writing, Split Fiction is not part of the Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass libraries. While some titles are added shortly after release, others take more time or may never join the service. Unfortunately, Karanis Interactive has made no official announcements regarding any agreements with Microsoft to bring the game to the Game Pass platform.
Xbox Game Pass is often used to promote indie and AA titles, offering them increased visibility and a wider audience. Given this, some players speculated that Split Fiction, with its strong critical reception and indie-level publisher, might be a perfect candidate. However, its commercial success so far might have given the publisher enough confidence to promote standalone sales without relying on subscription revenue streams.
Statements from Developers
In a recent Reddit AMA, a member of Karanis Interactive’s development team addressed a question about Game Pass directly, stating:
“We understand the value Game Pass brings to players, and it’s something we continue to evaluate. For now, our focus has been on ensuring the best experience for those who purchase directly, but we aren’t ruling anything out long-term.”
While that statement doesn’t confirm any immediate plans, it keeps the door open for future release on Game Pass, possibly months or even years down the line depending on the game’s lifecycle strategy.
Why Isn’t It on Game Pass Yet?
There are several potential reasons why Split Fiction isn’t currently available on Microsoft’s Game Pass:
- Strong initial sales: With impressive pre-orders and early critical acclaim, the game might not need a subscription platform to drive visibility.
- Revenue strategy: Game Pass revenue is typically fixed per deal or based on player engagement. Some publishers opt to focus on direct sales during the game’s peak launch window.
- Ongoing negotiations: It’s possible the developers are negotiating with subscription platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Epic, or others, and want to wait for an ideal timing.
- Platform exclusivity: Some games are bound by short-term exclusivity deals with storefronts like Steam or the Epic Games Store before they can appear on services like Game Pass.
Until these considerations change or an official deal is struck, the likelihood of immediate availability remains low.
How to Play Split Fiction Right Now
If you’re eager to experience Split Fiction and don’t want to wait for its potential arrival on Game Pass, here are your best options:
- Steam: Available for PC, with support for most major controllers and graphics settings.
- PlayStation Store: Available for both PS4 and PS5, with adaptive trigger support on PS5.
- Xbox Store: Though not on Game Pass, it is available for purchase on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
- Physical retail: Select editions exist for consoles, including collector’s packs that ship with exclusive art books and DLC content.
Whichever platform you choose, be aware that the game has a significant file size (approximately 55GB on consoles) and may require a day-one patch.
Similar Games on Game Pass Right Now
If you’re looking for games like Split Fiction that are available on Game Pass today, the following titles offer related storytelling mechanics and immersive atmospheres:
- As Dusk Falls: A gripping interactive drama exploring family, sacrifice, and consequences.
- Tell Me Why: Narrative-driven with twin protagonists and memory-based decision-making.
- Norco: A Southern Gothic point-and-click adventure full of surreal mystery.
- Life is Strange: True Colors: Emotion-driven storytelling with superpowers and moral choices.
These alternatives can serve as a temporary fix while you wait for Split Fiction to (hopefully) arrive on Game Pass in the future.
Could Split Fiction Come to Game Pass in the Future?
There’s still a chance. Many games arrive on Game Pass months after initial release as developers seek additional audience reach after the lucrative early sales period dies down. It is increasingly common for narrative games to be added once the majority of their day-one buyers have already made their purchases.
Given the game’s success and strong word-of-mouth promotion, Game Pass may offer a second commercial life for the title. Karanis Interactive may also use a later Game Pass release as a promotional tool for future DLCs or sequels, both of which have already been teased during developer livestreams.
Signs to Watch For
If you’re hoping to see Split Fiction added to Game Pass one day, keep an eye on:
- Announcements during major showcases: Xbox and Bethesda, The Game Awards, or E3-style events.
- Developer social media channels: Twitter (X), Discord, and Reddit communities are often the first to leak hints or confirmations.
- Microsoft Game Pass blog updates: Monthly updates often list surprise additions.
Conclusion
While it’s disappointing to some that Split Fiction isn’t yet part of the Game Pass ecosystem, the quality and depth of the game are worth the direct investment for interested players. Although no official timeframe has been given for a potential Game Pass release, the possibility remains — especially if momentum behind the title continues into its post-launch months with stronger community engagement and DLC support.
Until then, Game Pass subscribers can explore a wealth of similarly thematic games, and supporters of Split Fiction can rest assured knowing they’re backing a game that has significantly advanced the art and emotional reach of interactive storytelling.
