In a surprising turn of events, 1047 Games, the developers behind the recently launched and entirely free-to-play Splitgate 2, have initiated layoffs today, impacting a small group of valued staff. This decision comes after a tumultuous journey for Splitgate 2, which, despite a promising start during its “Open Alpha” earlier this year, has faced significant challenges since its release.
The alpha testing phase showcased an exciting debut of 24-player Multi-team Portal Warfare and introduced several new game modes and maps, all of which garnered positive feedback from players. However, the excitement surrounding the launch was dampened by a controversial appearance from Ian Proulx, CEO and Co-Founder of 1047 Games, at the Summer Game Fest. His edgy remarks about the current state of FPS games and a poorly received hat drew criticism, overshadowing the announcement of a much-anticipated Battle Royale mode. Attendees reported a noticeable lack of applause during his speech, signaling a disconnect with the audience.
In a statement posted on their official LinkedIn account, 1047 Games confirmed the layoffs, stating: “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.”
The statement also highlighted that co-founders Ian Proulx and Nick Bagamian have chosen to forgo their salaries during this critical time, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the game. “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 things we know you’ll love. We are committed to building this game for the long haul,” they added.
While the management's decision to suspend their salaries is commendable, it's unfortunate that the developers who dedicated their efforts to the game are facing the brunt of the issues surrounding what could have been a smoother launch. In a recent interview at Gamescom 2024, Ian Proulx expressed his ambitious vision for Splitgate 2, making the current challenges even more disheartening.
Our recent review of Splitgate 2 by Staff Writer Austin highlighted several areas where the game falls short. “Splitgate 2 is solid mechanically but underwhelming in nearly every other area. For a sequel, a game that the studio had to halt all production of the first title to focus on, it doesn’t seem to do much more to improve on the original. The inclusions over the first game, like the Battle Royale, feel tacked on and don’t add anything new to the genre,” he noted. Austin further criticized the uninspired design of maps, modes, weapons, abilities, and perks, suggesting that the effectiveness of portals has diminished in this sequel.
Despite acknowledging that there are worse shooters available, he concluded that there are also numerous better alternatives to spend your gaming time. However, since Splitgate 2 is free, it might be worth downloading for those curious about the experience, although players may not find themselves invested for the long term.
Are you enjoying Splitgate 2? We invite our readers to share their experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable as 1047 Games strives to improve and refine the gameplay experience for all players.
