Split Fiction might be a Game of the Year contender, but can it survive the inevitable GTA 6 tidal wave?

split fiction, gta 6

If there’s one thing we all love, it’s an underdog story, unless, of course, that underdog is standing in the way of the gaming juggernaut known as Grand Theft Auto. In one corner, we have Split Fiction, the latest cinematic, story-driven masterpiece from the ever-charismatic Josef Fares. In the other corner? The gaming titan, the unstoppable force, the skyscraper-sized elephant in the room, GTA 6.

It’s a battle of passion versus legacy, of creative storytelling versus open-world chaos. Split Fiction is already making waves with its engaging co-op mechanics and emotionally charged narrative, while GTA 6 is poised to do what it always does, break the internet and set new industry records.

A still from Split Fiction
A still from Split Fiction | Credits: Hazelight Studios

Fans are hyped, critics are sharpening their pens, and the gaming world is bracing itself for a clash of the titans. But before the GTA tsunami hits, let’s talk about why Split Fiction is still a serious contender for the biggest award in gaming, and why GTA 6 could very well be the ultimate party crasher.

Split Fiction is a masterpiece worthy of Game of the Year

A still from Split Fiction
A still from Split Fiction | Credits: Hazelight Studios

Josef Fares is no stranger to shaking up the gaming industry. The man behind A Way Out and It Takes Two has developed a reputation for crafting deeply emotional, cooperative-driven narratives that somehow balance humor, action, and gut-wrenching moments in perfect harmony. With Split Fiction, Fares has reportedly outdone himself, blending fast-paced gameplay with a gripping, unconventional story that keeps players guessing.

Early impressions suggest that Split Fiction is everything we love about Fares’ games dialed up to eleven. The split-screen mechanics, a signature of his previous works, are back and more innovative than ever. The narrative reportedly pulls players into a whirlwind of high-stakes drama, unexpected twists, and laugh-out-loud moments, all wrapped up in a visually stunning world.

Fans are convinced this is the one. It Takes Two already snatched the Game of the Year award in 2021, proving that Fares knows how to craft a winner. And with Split Fiction, he may have once again struck gold.

When a fan confidently declared that Split Fiction would take home the Game of the Year award, Fares, in his signature energetic style, gave a response that was both humble and hilariously self-aware. In a YouTube video from Fall Damage, responding to fan comments, he said,

I would really appreciate if we won Game of the Year again. But, on the other hand you know I’m a huge fan of GTA. I think if that comes out it’s going to be really tough and I want it to come out cause I’m a huge fan.

That’s right, he’s out here openly cheering for the very game that could steamroll his own masterpiece. You have to respect the honesty. But then, just when things are looking bright for Fares and his team, a shadow looms over the horizon. A very, very big shadow.

The party crasher no one can ignore, GTA 6

A still from GTA 5
A still from GTA 5 | Credits: Rockstar Games

Let’s be honest, when GTA 6 enters the room, every other game suddenly starts sweating. This isn’t just another sequel, this is the sequel. The long-awaited, heavily speculated, absolutely massive follow-up to GTA V, a game that refuses to die even after a decade of dominance.

The hype surrounding GTA 6 is unmatched. Rockstar Games operates on a completely different plane of existence, where every release redefines gaming as we know it.

When a GTA title drops, it’s not just a game, it’s a cultural event. Cities will be deserted. Work productivity will plummet. Relationships will be tested. And most importantly, the Game of the Year conversation will shift dramatically.

Even Josef Fares himself admits it, “The only game I kind of replay, GTA V, the story. I really love that.” That’s right, Fares, the man whose game is directly in GTA 6’s crosshairs, is an open and unapologetic fanboy. And honestly? Who can blame him?

If GTA 6 releases this year, it won’t just compete for the award, it will dominate every conversation about gaming for months, if not years. That’s the kind of pressure Split Fiction is up against. Can Fares’ masterpiece hold its ground against the biggest name in the industry? Only time will tell.