In the wake of a turbulent launch, Splitgate 2 developer 1047 Games has confirmed a series of internal restructuring efforts, including staff layoffs, as the studio navigates post-launch challenges. The announcement comes amid growing pressure to stabilize the game’s performance and regain player trust following a rocky debut that was marred by technical issues, server instability, and mixed community feedback. In a heartfelt message to the team and fans, co-founders David "Dave" Moore and Cameron "Cam" Gill revealed they have voluntarily suspended their own salaries to help preserve remaining team resources and ensure continued development focus. Their commitment underscores the studio’s determination to rebuild and deliver on the long-term vision for Splitgate 2, which aims to evolve the popular arena shooter into a more refined, competitive experience. “We’ve poured everything into this game, and we’re not walking away,” said Moore. “The layoffs were painful and not taken lightly. But in order to keep moving forward and invest in the future, we made the difficult choice to reallocate funds. Our priority is the team, the players, and the long-term success of Splitgate.” Gill echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the studio’s core mission remains unchanged: to build a sustainable and innovative FPS experience. “We’re not abandoning our community. We’re evolving. The foundation is strong—we just need to fix what’s broken and build what’s next.” 1047 Games has not disclosed the exact number of layoffs but confirmed that the cuts were part of a broader operational review. The studio has pledged to continue active development, with updates on bug fixes, balancing, new maps, and features expected in the coming months. The community response has been mixed—some players have expressed support for the co-founders’ sacrifice and the studio’s transparency, while others remain skeptical about whether the game can recover its momentum. Nonetheless, the move to forgo salaries and double down on development signals a pivotal moment for 1047 Games. As they enter the next phase, their ability to deliver on promises and rebuild player confidence will be critical in determining the long-term fate of Splitgate 2. For now, the studio remains committed to its vision—and to its players.

The situation surrounding Splitgate 2 and developer 1047 Games reflects a challenging chapter in the lifecycle of a high-profile free-to-play sequel, marked by early controversy, mixed player reception, and now, internal restructuring through layoffs and leadership sacrifice.

Key Takeaways from the Splitgate 2 Update:

🔴 Layoffs Underway – "A Small Group" Affected

• 1047 Games confirmed layoffs affecting an unspecified but small number of employees.
• The company emphasized that the departures were painful and that they are actively supporting former team members in transitioning to new roles.
• No exact number was given, but context suggests this isn’t a mass restructuring — rather, a targeted reallocation of resources.

💼 Co-Founders Forgo Salaries

• Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian have chosen to stop drawing salaries as part of an effort to stabilize the studio financially.
• This move signals a commitment to long-term survival and player-focused development, even at personal financial cost.

🎮 Splitgate 2 Launch: Mixed Reception & Controversy

• Launch Controversy: Proulx’s "Make FPS Great Again" hat and critical remarks about Call of Duty at Summer Game Fest were widely perceived as tone-deaf and overly aggressive, alienating parts of the audience before the game even launched.
• Microtransactions: The inclusion of a $145 loot box bundle sparked backlash, particularly in a genre already sensitive to monetization practices.
• Player Numbers:
  • Peak Steam concurrent players: 25,785 (original Splitgate peaked at 67,724).
  • 24-hour Steam peak: 10,059 (currently at 4,437).
  • Across all platforms (PC, consoles): Over 2.5 million players — a solid base, but not enough to sustain momentum given the ambitious vision and investment.

📊 Critical Reception: "Builds on the Past, But Doesn’t Surpass It"

• IGN gave Splitgate 2 a 7/10, calling it a solid evolution but not a revolutionary leap.
• Steam reviews: Currently "Mixed", indicating a polarized player base — some appreciate the core gameplay and portal mechanics, others are put off by monetization, pacing, or tone.

🧩 Why It Matters

Despite the setbacks, 1047 Games is not abandoning Splitgate 2. The post-launch statement emphasizes:

• Player feedback is central to the game’s future.
• Resource reallocation to improve core gameplay, balance, and content.
• Long-term commitment to the franchise — a sign that the team still believes in the game’s potential.

What’s Next?

• Content Updates: Expect more maps, modes, and possibly a refined battle royale system.
• Monetization Reevaluation: Likely a shift away from aggressive bundles toward more player-friendly models.
• Community Rebuilding: The team will need to regain trust after the PR missteps and rocky launch.

Final Thought

Splitgate 2 may have stumbled out of the gate, but 1047 Games’ willingness to make hard choices — layoffs, salary sacrifices, and listening to feedback — suggests a pivot toward sustainability over ego. The original Splitgate had a cult following for its creative blend of Halo and Portal. If the studio can stay focused and rebuild trust, Splitgate 2 still has a path forward — not as a commercial juggernaut, but as a passion project with a loyal core.

As Proulx said in the IGN interview: "We didn’t mean for it to happen."
But now, he and Bagamian are proving they mean to fix it.

The road ahead will be tough — but not hopeless.