Update: As of late 2024, the situation surrounding Spawn of the Sun, the mobile battle royale game previously known as Spiltgate, continues to evolve. Originally developed by 1047 Games — a studio co-founded by former Overwatch lead designer David Dague and former Destiny* lead artist Joel Hjelm — the game launched in early 2024 to mixed reviews and moderate player engagement. In the aftermath of the rocky launch, 1047 Games confirmed a series of internal restructuring efforts, including a reduction in staff. The studio cited challenges in balancing the game’s core mechanics, server stability, and player retention as key factors behind the decision. Co-founders David Dague and Joel Hjelm announced they would voluntarily forgo their salaries for the next 12 months to reinvest all available funds into stabilizing the game, improving content, and rebuilding community trust. The studio emphasized that the long-term vision for Spiltgate (renamed Spawn of the Sun in 2024 to avoid confusion with the unrelated Spiltgate mod) remains intact. They have pledged to double down on community feedback, roll out major updates, and expand into new gameplay modes and seasonal events. While the layoffs were a difficult step, the studio maintains that it’s prioritizing sustainability over short-term success. Fans and industry observers have responded with cautious optimism, noting that the co-founders’ transparency and commitment to player experience could help salvage the project’s future. For now, Spawn of the Sun continues to operate, with 1047 Games vowing to deliver a more polished, balanced, and player-driven experience in the months ahead.*

The situation surrounding Splitgate 2 and developer 1047 Games reflects a turbulent post-launch journey marked by high expectations, controversial branding, mixed player reception, and now, internal restructuring through layoffs. Here's a breakdown and analysis of what’s happening:

🔴 Key Events Summary:

• Layoffs Announced: 1047 Games has laid off "a small group" of employees, confirmed via LinkedIn. The company did not disclose the exact number, but it’s clear the studio is undergoing significant internal adjustments.

• Co-Founders Forgo Salaries: In a show of commitment, co-founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian have chosen to not draw salaries as they focus on stabilizing and improving Splitgate 2. This move signals a serious effort to reallocate funds toward game development rather than overhead.

• Controversial Launch:

  • Proulx’s "Make FPS Great Again" hat at Summer Game Fest drew widespread mockery and criticism. The overt anti-Call of Duty messaging was seen as tone-deaf and damaging to brand perception.
  • The launch included a $145 microtransaction bundle, which fueled backlash over monetization practices — particularly for a free-to-play title.
  • Despite a 2.5M+ player base across platforms, the game’s Steam peak (25,785) lagged far behind the original Splitgate’s 67,724 — a red flag for long-term viability.

• Player Reception & Metrics:

  • Steam Reviews: Currently "Mixed" (based on over 10,000 reviews), indicating a split player base — some enjoy the gameplay, others are frustrated by monetization, pacing, or polish.
  • Concurrent Players: A 24-hour peak of 10,059 on Steam (with ~4,437 active at reporting), well below expectations for a major shooter launch.
  • IGN Review (7/10): Acknowledges the game builds on its predecessor but fails to elevate the experience significantly. "It’s good, but not great."

• Departures of Key Staff: Several developers have confirmed leaving via social media (e.g., Twitter/X, LinkedIn), though names were not officially disclosed. These departures suggest deeper internal challenges beyond just cost-cutting.

📊 Why This Matters:

1. Brand Image Damage
   The "Make FPS Great Again" stunt wasn’t just a PR misstep — it alienated core FPS fans and amplified perceptions of the studio as divisive or performative. This likely hurt organic word-of-mouth and marketing.

2. Monetization Backlash
   The $145 bundle (which includes cosmetic items and progression boosts) sparked outrage on social media. While not uncommon in F2P games, the high price point and timing (post-launch) made it feel exploitative.

3. Failure to Sustain Momentum
   The original Splitgate was praised for its innovative portal mechanics and tight gameplay. Splitgate 2 introduced a battle royale mode, which, while ambitious, may have diluted the identity of the franchise.

4. Internal Strain
   The fact that co-founders are sacrificing salaries and the studio is laying off staff suggests financial strain and uncertainty about long-term sustainability — even if the player base remains at 2.5M+, retention and engagement appear weak.

🛠️ What’s Next for Splitgate 2?

• Focus on Player Feedback: 1047 Games says they’re “refining the experience based on player feedback.” This could mean:

  • Rebalancing gameplay.
  • Adjusting monetization (e.g., reducing cost of premium bundles).
  • Improving onboarding and retention.
  • Addressing technical issues or bugs.

• Long-Term Vision: The statement says, “We’re committed to building this game for the long term.” But with layoffs and founder sacrifice, this commitment comes at a steep price.

• Community Trust: Rebuilding trust will be tough. Fans who felt alienated by the launch controversy may not return — especially if they perceive the changes as reactive rather than genuine.

🧩 Final Thoughts:

Splitgate 2 started strong in terms of ambition and player numbers, but it quickly unraveled under the weight of poor branding, questionable monetization, and unmet expectations. The layoffs and co-founders’ salary sacrifice are signs of a studio in crisis — but also one fighting to survive.

The real question now isn’t whether Splitgate 2 can recover — it’s whether it can regain the soul of the original.

If 1047 Games can listen to feedback, remove exploitative mechanics, rebuild trust, and deliver meaningful updates, there’s still a chance for redemption.

But if the game continues down a path of reactive patches and mounting player frustration, it may not just be a failed sequel — it could become a cautionary tale in how not to launch a beloved franchise’s next chapter.

🎮 For Fans:
Keep an eye on patch notes, developer livestreams, and community updates. If the team shows genuine improvement and transparency, Splitgate 2 might yet find its footing.

For now, the message is clear: The game isn’t dead — but it’s fighting to stay alive.