Splitgate 2 Faces ‘Unlaunch’: Studio Restructures and Reduces Staff for 2026 Comeback

Following its surprising launch in June, Splitgate 2 is now taking a step back. The multiplayer shooter will stay online in beta mode and receive support through a season 3 update, along with bug fixes. However, 1047 Games has decided to pause its plans to fully develop the game, aiming for a relaunch in early 2026. This shift also includes staff layoffs and the shutdown of the original Splitgate servers next month as part of cost-cutting measures.

CEO Ian Proulx admitted that the team missed the mark. In a recent interview, he reflected on the game’s challenges. “We launched too early,” he said, acknowledging that excitement overshadowed thorough planning. Players criticized various issues, including bugs, the absence of a ranked mode, and costly cosmetic options. Proulx emphasized that 1047 Games will learn from this feedback and work more closely with the community going forward.

They plan to return to the grassroots approach that characterized the original Splitgate development. Proulx mentioned they read through extensive Reddit threads and gathered player feedback through all channels, realizing the importance of transparency. “We intend to develop alongside the community,” he said.

In response to player concerns, the studio is focusing on adding key features like ranked leaderboards and more diverse playlists. They will also restore more of the portal walls that are central to the gameplay. Proulx noted that Splitgate 2 shines in several areas like graphics and mechanics, but the team had aimed for too much too quickly.

The monetization strategy will be revisited as well. The initial pricing of an $80 skin bundle drew considerable backlash. Proulx acknowledged the criticism and agreed the pricing wasn’t well received, hinting at a more reasonable approach in the future.

Interestingly, when Splitgate 2 launched, Proulx drew attention by wearing a “Make FPS Great Again” hat at the Summer Game Fest. This moment sparked controversy, especially as the U.S. was experiencing significant political tensions. Although he initially defended his choice, he later apologized and clarified that the controversy did not influence the decision to pause development.

Currently, the focus remains on fixing existing issues while starting work on the relaunch. The team plans to include events and update features, like adding a playlist for player-created maps. Roughly 95% of their resources will go toward the relaunch.

This isn’t the first bump in the road for Splitgate. The original game launched in 2019 but needed reevaluation before its successful relaunch in 2021. Proulx remains optimistic about earning back the trust of players who have witnessed the game’s evolution.

He concluded, “We’ve faced tough times before, and we’re committed to making this right.” As they prepare for the next chapter, community involvement seems to be a cornerstone of their new strategy, aiming to create a more enjoyable experience for players moving forward.

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