1047 Games Faces Layoffs: CEO Acknowledges ‘Multiple Mistakes’ Impacting Developers

Splitgate 2 Faces Setbacks and Changes

1047 Games, the team behind Splitgate 2, is going through tough times. They’ve recently announced layoffs and a shutdown of the original Splitgate, aiming to refocus their efforts after realizing that the sequel was released prematurely.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), CEO Ian Proulx and CTO Nicholas Bagamian acknowledged that the game wasn’t ready for its scheduled launch. They expressed their excitement but admitted they took on too much too quickly. “We had ambitious goals,” they said, emphasizing the need to listen to player feedback moving forward.

The layoffs are significant. This marks the second round of cuts for the studio this year. Earlier in June, they let go a “small group” of employees. These talented individuals helped build the game, and the company is offering severance packages and job placement support. Proulx stated, “We hope to bring them back when we can.”

In addition to layoffs, 1047 Games is closing the original Splitgate, which has been operating since 2017. This move is driven by the high costs of running the game, which reportedly cost the studio “hundreds of thousands of dollars.” They are exploring offline play and peer-to-peer matches to cut down these expenses and avoid facing the same fate as other games that have shut down permanently.

Proulx has also faced criticism recently for wearing a hat that read “Make FPS Great Again” at the Summer Game Fest. His intention wasn’t political, but the timing sparked backlash as it coincided with local protests against immigration policies. While he initially didn’t apologize, he later expressed regret, acknowledging the hat’s controversial implications.

This situation reflects a larger trend in the gaming industry, where many studios are facing challenges with launching games too early, leading to backlash from communities. With player expectations rising, developers must balance ambition with the readiness of their products.

Recent surveys indicate that 75% of players prefer games that listen to community feedback during development. This statistic highlights how crucial it is for creators like 1047 Games to adapt and engage with their audiences.

As the gaming landscape evolves, many developers are learning from past mistakes to deliver experiences that truly resonate with gamers. With a focus on community input and more careful planning, perhaps Splitgate 2 can emerge stronger after these setbacks.

For more on the gaming industry and its evolving challenges, check out this report from the Interactive Entertainment Research Society.

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