Splitgate 2 'Unlaunches,' Studio to Lay Off Staff Before 2026 Reboot

The Unexpected Journey of Splitgate 2

Splitgate 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular multiplayer first-person shooter, has taken an unexpected turn. Initially launched in June, the game is now undergoing a significant shift. Instead of moving forward with its original roadmap, the developer, 1047 Games, has decided to pause its planned updates and focus on a complete overhaul before a relaunch in early 2026. This decision comes as part of broader cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions and the shutdown of servers for the original Splitgate.

The CEO of 1047 Games, Ian Proulx, admitted that the team missed the mark with the launch of Splitgate 2. In a recent video interview, he expressed his belief that the game did not meet the expectations of its community. “We had ambitious goals with Splitgate 2, and in our excitement to share it with you, we bit off more than we could chew,” Proulx said. “So, we’re going back to beta.”

A Controversial Launch

The initial launch of Splitgate 2 was met with mixed reactions. The game was announced at this year’s Summer Game Fest, where Proulx made headlines by wearing a “Make FPS Great Again” hat. While this moment generated attention, the game itself faced criticism from its community. Players pointed out several issues, including bugs, the absence of a ranked mode at launch, and the high cost of in-game cosmetics.

In response to these concerns, 1047 Games released a statement addressing the feedback and outlining the future of the game. The message emphasized the importance of community input and acknowledged that the team had underestimated the challenges of launching such a complex title.

Lessons Learned and Future Plans

Proulx also attributed some of the issues with Splitgate 2 to a lack of community involvement during development. Despite conducting extensive playtests, certain modes, like Battle Royale, were kept under wraps to surprise players. This approach, however, led to a disconnect between the developers and the community.

Moving forward, 1047 Games plans to adopt a more collaborative approach, drawing inspiration from the grassroots development cycle of the original Splitgate. “There was a giant Reddit thread that we literally read every single post,” Proulx shared. “I read everything on the Reddit, everything, any tweets, Discord, all that stuff. We have a good sense of what needs to get done, what are the problems.”

Community-Driven Development

The studio aims to involve the community more actively in the development process. By seeking feedback and engaging in playtesting, 1047 Games hopes to create a better experience for players. “We’re going to actually do it alongside the community, get their feedback, playtest, and then when we feel like, all right, the game, it’s in a great place, it’s what it needs to be, that’s when we’re going to relaunch,” Proulx explained.

This shift in strategy reflects a commitment to transparency and collaboration. The team is determined to learn from past mistakes and ensure that the final product meets the expectations of its players.

What’s Next?

While the original Splitgate will see its servers shut down next month, the focus remains on the future of Splitgate 2. The team will continue to support the game in its beta state, providing updates and bug fixes through a season 3 update. However, the primary goal is to rebuild the game from the ground up, ensuring that it delivers a polished and enjoyable experience when it eventually relaunches.

As 1047 Games navigates this period of reflection and rework, the lessons learned from Splitgate 2 will undoubtedly shape the future of the franchise. The journey ahead may be challenging, but the commitment to community engagement and quality development offers hope for a successful relaunch in 2026.