Split (video game)

Split is a short linear single-player game in which the player controls a hacker named Axel. The game is played from a first-person perspective as Axel sits at his desk and interacts with diegetic computer interfaces.^[1][2][3][4] The Alt and A or D keys allow the player to look to the left or right of the desk to view a window or an electronic device respectively. At the desk, the player can switch between two computer screens: one displaying an IRC channel, and one displaying a text-only command-line interface similar to MS DOS, Command Prompt, or the Unix command-line.^[2][5] Players interact with the game exclusively by typing on a keyboard, with no option for mouse or gamepad inputs.^[1] Similar to a typing game, the player types out Axel's anxious thoughts to dispel them and progress. The player receives instructions from Axel's hacker co-conspirators through the IRC chatroom, and typing using any keys allows Axel to respond with pre-written dialog. In the command-line interface, the player types commands to navigate the computer's files and solve puzzles.^[2][5][6][7] The game can be completed in approximately one to two hours and has two endings.^[1][6][7][8]

Split was developed by Estonian game developer Mike Klubnika, better known for the 2023 indie horror game Buckshot Roulette.^[7][9] Klubnika initially developed small games as a hobby while working and studying full-time, but the success of Buckshot Roulette, which sold over 6 million copies, allowed him to pursue game development as a career.^[10][11] First announced on 19 June 2026,^[12][13] Split launched on Steam for Windows and Linux (including SteamOS) on 24 July 2025.^[6][9]

Split received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator platform Metacritic.^[14] Nick Reuben of Rock, Paper, Shotgun recommended Split, calling it "tense and tactile" and noting its effective use of text and minimal imagery to indirectly convey a "richly nasty" setting in a short runtime.^[6] Drew Onia of Adventure Game Hotspot gave the game a score of 79%, praising the concept, storytelling, and atmosphere.^[3] Jessica Conditt of Engadget praised the satisfying puzzles and noted that the characters, interface, and soundtrack combined for a highly immersive experience.^[2]