Guinness Creates New Categories to Award Split Fiction Three World Records
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- Split Fiction earned three Guinness World Records shortly after release.
- These categories were specifically created to align with the game’s performance metrics.
- The game has sold over 2 million copies in its first week.
Guinness World Records has awarded Split Fiction three world records just days after launch — all in newly defined categories tailored to the game’s performance. The organization recognized the co-op title as the most played local co-op video game on Steam, the most sold local co-op video game within 48 hours, and the most sold local co-op video game within one week. No such categories existed prior to Split Fiction launch.
Guinness World Records diversified its business model in 2010s to include paid services for record verification and promotional campaigns in response to declining book sales amid the rise of digital media. Under Guinness World Records’ current system, companies can pay to propose, expedite, or create new record categories.
According to various sources, fast-tracked commercial record attempts can cost upwards of $20,000, while tailored promotional campaigns and consulting tied to record-setting can well exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars. This model has drawn criticism from observers who argue it allows brands to manufacture accolades as part of marketing pushes.
Despite the marketing angle, Split Fiction is performing well on its own merits. Developer Hazelight confirmed the game sold over 1 million units within 48 hours and crossed 2 million copies sold in its first week. The title is available now on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, and supports full cross-platform co-op — even for players who don’t own the game.
Critics have praised Split Fiction for its imaginative design and local co-op execution. A film adaptation is reportedly already in the works.
