Game Director of Splitgate 2 Apologizes for Controversial MAGA Hat at Summer Game Fest

Introduction to the Incident at Summer Game Fest

During the recent Summer Game Fest event, Jan Pru, the head of 1047 Games, made headlines not for the reveal of Splitgate 2, but for wearing a cap that sparked widespread controversy. The cap bore the phrase “Make FPS Great Again”, a clear nod to Donald Trump’s slogan, which immediately drew criticism from the gaming community and beyond. The incident overshadowed the game’s unveiling and ignited a heated debate across social media platforms.

The Initial Response and Festival of Controversy

At first, Jan Pru refused to apologize, insisting that his choice of attire was purely a creative statement. He explained that the message was aimed at the gaming industry, specifically criticizing the stagnation of popular multiplayer shooters like Call of Duty. Pru stated his intention was to emphasize the need for innovation in the genre, asserting that the slogan should be interpreted as a call to improve multiplayer FPS games rather than a political statement. However, this explanation did little to quell the backlash, which quickly intensified on Reddit and other online forums.

From Defiance to Apology

As criticism mounted, Pru eventually released a video message expressing regret for his “misjudgment”. He acknowledged that he anticipated some level of reaction but was unprepared for the intensity of the response. In his apology, he clarified that his goal was to create a memorable moment that would help Splitgate 2 stand out amid numerous game announcements. The controversy, however, overshadowed the game’s features and gameplay details.

Focus on Industry and Future Intentions

Despite the backlash, Pru emphasized that his motives were solely related to the gaming industry. He believes that multiplayer shooter genres have become stagnant and that Splitgate 2 aims to bring fresh ideas to the table. When asked about his political views, Pru chose not to comment, instead focusing on his professional goals for the game and its potential to reshape multiplayer experiences.

Additional Highlights from Summer Game Fest

In related news, actors from the Expedition 33 team attended Summer Game Fest dressed as characters from various games and participated in interviews. Jennifer English shared insights into the challenges faced by the cast during the project’s development, highlighting the event’s lively and diverse atmosphere.

Trending News and Updates

  • Nintendo Switch 2 becomes Nintendo’s fastest-selling console ever
  • A new game from the creators of GTA falters at launch
  • The director of The Last of Us series confirms a different protagonist for Season 3
Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.