Splitgate 2 CEO Defends ‘Make FPS Great Again’ Hat Controversy
▼ Summary
– Splitgate 2’s CEO Ian Proulx appeared at Summer Game Fest wearing a “Make FPS Great Again” hat, sparking controversy.
– Proulx criticized competitors like Halo and Call of Duty, emphasizing Splitgate 2’s goal to innovate with portals and new modes.
– The game announced a battle royale mode, but faced mockery for claiming innovation while including a COD-like microtransaction shop.
– Proulx clarified his hat was not a political statement but a commentary on stale FPS games, though the non-apology tweet drew criticism.
– The announcement boosted Splitgate 2’s player count from 9-11K to 25,785 concurrent players, though its long-term impact remains uncertain.
Splitgate 2’s CEO sparked debate during Summer Game Fest by wearing a controversial hat while promoting the game’s new battle royale mode. Ian Proulx, the developer’s CEO, took the stage with a black cap reading “Make FPS Great Again,” a clear nod to political slogans. His comments criticizing competitors like Call of Duty and expressing frustration over Titanfall 3’s absence further fueled the conversation.
Proulx didn’t shy away from defending his choice, clarifying on the official Splitgate 2 account that the hat wasn’t meant as a political statement. “This is not a political statement, it is quite literally what it says,” he tweeted, emphasizing his belief that modern FPS games have grown stagnant. While some interpreted it as a joke, others found the reference poorly timed, especially given the divisive nature of the phrase’s origins.
The reveal also introduced Splitgate 2’s new battle royale mode, which drew mixed reactions. While some players welcomed the addition, others questioned its supposed innovation, particularly alongside a microtransaction-heavy store reminiscent of Call of Duty. Despite the controversy, the announcement boosted the game’s player count significantly, with Steam concurrent numbers jumping from an average of 9-11K to over 25,000 shortly after.
Whether the surge in players will last remains uncertain, but the moment certainly put Splitgate 2 in the spotlight—for better or worse. Proulx’s bold stance on FPS stagnation resonated with some, though his approach risked alienating others. The incident highlights the fine line developers walk when blending humor, criticism, and marketing in a highly competitive genre.
(Source: FORBES)
