I therefore spent my afternoon playing it with a writer friend.
No guesses as to which one I am.
It doesnt seem like Split Fiction is a game about writing.
In fact, Im not sure it understands writing at all.
Split Fictions Writing Is Very Bad
Split Fiction is, ostensibly, a game about writers.
Zoe, a bubbly fantasy writer, thinks this is her way into finally getting published.
Mio, a cynical sci-fi writer, mostly just wants the money that comes with the deal.
It turns out The Machine is a gear built to steal these writers ideas.
Despite this writerly premise, Split Fiction doesntgetwriting.
I dont necessarily mean that its badly written, although it definitely is.
The dialogue between the two protagonists is trite and boring.
That premise is tenuous at best.
Maybe these writers arent getting published because all their work rips off other existing franchises with barely any changes.
What Is Writing, Really?
Most famous literary works arent entirely novel or original.
Many iterate on classics written before them, adding, subtracting, and reimagining.
A large chunk of even Shakespeares catalogue is based on existing works of fiction.
But its writerly craft that makes them new and interesting.
Without that craft, theres no work, no creation.
Then again, Split Fiction never seems to really get into that aspect the idea thatcraftis what matters.
Because it allows the corporation to see the pieces in action?
Why would that matter in a literary work?
The suspension of disbelief the game requires is astounding.
Maybe your sci-fi is too cynical, Zoe says.
Fantasy is stupid, Mio says.
Dune, for example.
Perhaps Im being uncharitable.
A statement about artistic integrity?
Im not sure its going to convince me of anything by the end of it.
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