Revenge of the Savage Planet lead says split-screen is actually really hard to make right, but games like Split Fiction prove gamers really want it back

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On May 8, 2025, Alex Hutchinson’s upcoming game, titled “Revenge of the Savage Planet,” is scheduled for release. This new title represents a significant departure from its predecessor, as it carries an anti-corporate theme throughout its narrative. One intriguing aspect of this third-person adventure is the revival of split-screen local multiplayer mode – a feature that has become scarce in modern gaming.

In contemporary gaming, titles such as Halo: Infinite have discontinued the split-screen campaign mode, while numerous others have opted to bypass this feature altogether. However, Hutchinson points out that despite its challenges in development, games like It Takes Two and Split Fiction demonstrate a strong preference among players for this shared gameplay experience.

Alex Hutchinson on why split-screen is still needed

During an interview with VideoGamer before its launch, Hutchinson noted that implementing split-screen is technically challenging and costly. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a simple matter of adding a second player onto the same screen. In fact, it can be quite complex, particularly as games become increasingly intricate.

Hutchinson explained to VideoGamer that doing it is quite costly and if you attempt to add it later, it becomes extremely challenging. The reason is that you’re essentially creating two user interfaces to display simultaneously, which technically complicates maintaining high performance due to various technical and usability issues.

Hutchinson pointed out that developers might lack expertise in crafting split-screen games due to the industry’s shift towards other multiplayer formats. Consequently, diving headfirst into a multiplayer experience without any prior knowledge can prove challenging and complex, as you may encounter numerous unexpected issues along the way.

The concept of split-screen co-op in Revenge of the Savage Planet was influenced by Hutchinson’s previous development work on Army of Two. During that period, the developer visited Korea and encountered American soldiers from a nearby military base. They realized how crucial local multiplayer was for individuals who didn’t always have a stable internet connection.

At the bar, someone asked us about our jobs, to which we replied we develop video games. Their response was surprise, as if they had never heard of such a thing before. When we mentioned that we’re working on Army of Two, they were overjoyed and turned out to be avid fans. They shared stories about how they have one system of the game on every army base they are transferred to and enjoy playing it split-screen repeatedly with friends, family, college students, and even siblings. It seems that having a chance to play together is important to them, no matter where they are or who they’re with.

Although many contemporary game developers have moved away from traditional split-screen multiplayer, Hutchinson acknowledges that Hazelight’s games have demonstrated a continued desire among today’s audience for this format. While dedicated gamers who own multiple gaming systems might not find the appeal of playing side by side on one screen, there are many others who possess only one system, and with console prices rising, this number is likely to grow.

He explained, “This scenario is usually the case for most individuals. Over time, we’ve come to believe, and Hazelight seems to confirm it, that this phenomenon is genuine. Sometimes, we can be carried away by our passion for gaming media, like yourself or other developers, thinking we have everything. But let me clarify, my basement filled with pinball machines from every system doesn’t represent the norm.

Hutchinson pointed out that the multiplayer mode in Revenge of the Savage Planet isn’t solely designed for experienced gamers, although they can certainly enjoy it. Instead, it caters to those who don’t spend extensive time chatting with online gaming buddies or frequently switch between gaming systems. However, it’s a feature that everyone can appreciate, even though implementing it can be quite challenging.

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2025-05-05 17:11