In the wake of a challenging launch, 1047 Games, the developer behind the multiplayer FPS Splitgate 2, has announced a series of difficult decisions, including layoffs, as the studio works to stabilize and refocus following the game's release. The company, co-founded by industry veterans Justin "Xydo" Moor and Riki "Rikim" Lee, has confirmed that some team members have been let go in order to streamline operations and better align resources with the project’s long-term vision. Despite Splitgate 2’s high expectations and strong player interest, the post-launch performance—particularly in player retention and technical stability—has not met internal benchmarks. The studio acknowledged the challenges openly, citing growing pains common in the shift from a successful standalone title to a sequel with ambitious new features and scaling demands. In a heartfelt message to the community, co-founder Justin Moor stated, "We are deeply committed to the future of Splitgate. The decisions we’ve made are painful but necessary. We believe the game has tremendous potential, and we’re determined to build the experience our players deserve." To demonstrate their commitment, Moor and Lee have voluntarily forgoing their own salaries for the foreseeable future. The co-founders emphasized that they are dedicating their full energy to rebuilding the team, prioritizing quality, and delivering on the roadmap for Splitgate 2’s next major phase, including seasonal content, new maps, and gameplay refinements. The studio has also promised greater transparency moving forward, with regular updates on progress, bug fixes, and community feedback integration. While the layoffs are a setback, many fans have expressed support for the team’s honesty and dedication. As one community member tweeted, “They’re not hiding behind PR—they’re choosing to fix it. That takes courage.” 1047 Games continues to work on the long-term health of Splitgate 2, with the next major update expected in late 2024. The focus remains on rebuilding trust, refining gameplay, and ensuring that the sequel lives up to the legacy of the original.

The situation surrounding Splitgate 2 and developer 1047 Games reflects a complex mix of creative ambition, missteps in messaging, and the harsh realities of the modern free-to-play gaming landscape. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening — and what it could mean for the future of the franchise:

🔴 Key Developments Summary

• Layoffs Confirmed: 1047 Games has laid off a "small group" of employees, as confirmed in a LinkedIn post. The exact number remains undisclosed, but the impact is real.

• Founders Forgo Salaries: Co-founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian have chosen to not draw salaries as the studio restructures and focuses on improving Splitgate 2. This is a sign of commitment — but also a red flag that financial strain may be real.

• Mixed Launch & Player Reception:

  • Peak concurrent players (Steam): 25,785 (original Splitgate peaked at 67,724).
  • 24-hour peak (Steam): 10,059 — suggesting a decline from launch.
  • Player reviews: "Mixed" on Steam, indicating divided sentiment.
  • IGN Review: 7/10 — “Builds on its predecessor but doesn’t quite outshine it.”

• Controversial Launch Moments:

  • Proulx’s “Make FPS Great Again” hat and critical remarks about Call of Duty at Summer Game Fest were widely perceived as provocative and tone-deaf, drawing mockery and backlash.
  • The $145 microtransaction bundle (including exclusive skins, emotes, and cosmetic upgrades) fueled criticism about monetization, especially for a game with a strong community following.

• Player Numbers:

  • Over 2.5 million players across platforms (PC, consoles) — a strong number in absolute terms, but not enough to sustain long-term growth given the scale of expectations and investment.

📉 Why This Is a Problem (Beyond the Headlines)

While 2.5 million players might sound promising, it’s not enough to justify a major studio’s operating costs, especially when:

• The original Splitgate (2020) was a cult hit with a passionate fanbase — but not a massive commercial success.
• Splitgate 2 introduced new gameplay modes, including a battle royale, which requires constant support and content updates.
• The free-to-play model depends on retention and monetization, both of which have been challenged by controversy and player fatigue.

💬 Why the Fallout Happened

1. Poor Launch Messaging
   Proulx’s anti-Call of Duty rhetoric came across as aggressive and divisive, alienating a large segment of the FPS community. In an industry where unity and inclusivity sell, this was a PR misfire.

2. Monetization Backlash
   The $145 bundle felt out of touch, especially when paired with a "free-to-play" label. Players expect value — not premium pricing for cosmetics, even if they’re "exclusive."

3. High Expectations, Low Execution
   Fans expected Splitgate 2 to be a true evolution of the original — not just a cosmetic and mode upgrade. The absence of major gameplay innovation, combined with performance issues and bugs, disappointed many.

4. Over-Reliance on Hype
   The original Splitgate had strong word-of-mouth and a cult following. But fan loyalty ≠ sustainable revenue, and without a robust monetization strategy and long-term roadmap, even passionate communities can’t keep a studio afloat.

✅ What’s Positive? (And Why Hope Remains)

• Co-founders sacrificing salaries shows real dedication to the game’s future — rare in indie dev circles.
• Player base still active: 4,437 active players on Steam, with 10,000+ concurrent at peak, means there’s still a core community to build on.
• Commitment to updates — the studio says they’re "working tirelessly" to improve the game based on feedback.

If 1047 Games can:

• Tamp down controversy and focus on player experience,
• Rebalance monetization to be fair and transparent,
• Deliver meaningful updates (new maps, modes, mechanics),
• Rebuild trust through transparency and community engagement,

…then Splitgate 2 could still find its footing.

🎮 The Bottom Line

Splitgate 2 isn’t dead — but it’s in crisis.

The layoffs are a painful but necessary step toward stabilizing the studio and refocusing on what matters: the players.

The original Splitgate was loved for its fast-paced, portal-based combat and tight, fun mechanics. If 1047 Games can return to that core — and stop alienating fans with branding and pricing — there’s still a chance to win back trust and build a lasting legacy.

🔮 Looking Ahead

• Watch for patch notes: Will they address monetization? Add new modes? Fix bugs?
• Monitor community sentiment: Is feedback being listened to? Are players seeing change?
• Check future announcements: Will 1047 Games pivot to live-service, esports, or partnerships?

For now, the message is clear:

“We’re heartbroken to part ways and wouldn’t be here without you.”
— A studio choosing to sacrifice its leadership’s income to keep the game alive.

That’s not just a PR statement. It’s a last stand.

And if Splitgate 2 can survive this, it might just become a story of redemption — not just for the game, but for how we treat indie devs in the age of free-to-play and toxic hype cycles.

📌 Final Thought:
Splitgate 2 may have launched with a bang — but it’s now in the long, hard work of rebuilding.
The real test isn’t how many players it has — it’s whether it can earn back their trust.
And right now, the studio is proving it’s willing to fight for them.

🔄 Stay tuned. The next patch might just decide the game’s fate.