Splitgate 2 Developer 1047 Games Faces Layoffs and Funding Challenges Amid Mixed Reception

Studio Faces Uncertain Future Following Launch Difficulties

1047 Games, the developer behind the highly anticipated multiplayer shooter Splitgate 2, has announced layoffs affecting a small portion of its team. In a recent statement, the studio revealed that its co-founders, Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian, have chosen to forgo their salaries to help stabilize the company and fund ongoing development efforts.

Launch Under Scrutiny and Mixed Reactions

Splitgate 2 debuted with high expectations, promising an innovative blend of first-person shooting and portal mechanics, reminiscent of the popular Halo franchise. However, its launch was marred by a controversial marketing stunt, where co-founder Ian Proulx appeared at the Summer Game Fest wearing a hat that read “Make FPS Great Again,” and made pointed remarks about Call of Duty—an act that drew criticism from fans and industry observers alike.

Furthermore, the game introduced a battle royale mode and a microtransaction bundle priced at $145, which received widespread criticism. Although the game achieved a peak of around 25,785 concurrent players on Steam, this was significantly lower than the original Splitgate’s peak of 67,724 players. User reviews on Steam have remained in the “mixed” category, reflecting player dissatisfaction.

Player Engagement and Community Feedback

While Steam statistics provide some insight, they do not fully capture the game’s reach across consoles and other platforms. 1047 Games reported that over 2.5 million players have engaged with Splitgate 2 since launch, indicating a substantial user base despite the lukewarm reception. In an interview shortly after launch, Ian Proulx expressed surprise at the negative reaction, admitting, “We didn’t expect this to be nearly as controversial as it was, and we didn’t intend for it to be.”

Recent Company Developments and Future Plans

Following the layoffs, the studio issued a public statement acknowledging the departure of some team members. The company emphasized its commitment to refining the game based on community feedback and reassured players that efforts are ongoing to enhance the experience. The statement highlighted that the co-founders have decided not to draw salaries during this period, prioritizing the game’s development.

“Today we parted ways with a small group of valued 1047 Games team members. We’re still perfecting the Splitgate 2 gameplay experience in response to community feedback, and we are redirecting resources to build the best game for our players. We are sad to see our teammates go, and we are actively working to help them secure new opportunities. Furthermore, our co-founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian have opted not to take salaries as we lock in to deliver the next phase of the project. Thank you to those who’ve built alongside us — we are sad to say goodbye and would not be here without you.”

“To everyone who’s playing Splitgate 2, we’re continuing to work hard to deliver more features and improvements you’ll love. Our commitment is to build this game for the long haul.”

Current Player Metrics and Critical Reception

Although the exact number of layoffs remains undisclosed, several key staff members have announced their departures via social media. As of now, Splitgate 2 maintains a steady player base, with over 10,000 concurrent players on Steam in the last 24 hours and approximately 4,400 players at the time of writing.

Critics have given the game a 7 out of 10 in reviews, with some noting that “Splitgate 2 is a decent successor to the original that expands on it but never quite surpasses it.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the setbacks, 1047 Games remains committed to improving Splitgate 2 and delivering new content that appeals to its community. The studio’s focus is now on refining gameplay mechanics, addressing player concerns, and ensuring long-term support for the game.

Wesley is Director of News at IGN. Reach out to him on Twitter at @wyp100 or via email at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com. Confidential inquiries can be sent to wyp100@proton.me.