Splitgate 2 cuts $145 cosmetic bundle price after fan outrage
▼ Summary
– Splitgate 2 developers responded to player complaints about high in-game store prices by reducing a cosmetic bundle from $80 to $40.
– 1047 Games CEO Ian Proulx emphasized a “community first” approach, stating the team listens to player feedback and adjusts accordingly.
– The company will issue refunds for the price difference to players who previously purchased the bundle at the higher cost.
– Proulx addressed controversy over his “Make FPS Great Again” cap, clarifying the intent was to improve FPS games, not cause offense.
– The update highlights the developers’ commitment to ongoing price monitoring and responsiveness to community concerns.
The developers behind Splitgate 2 have dramatically reduced the price of controversial in-game cosmetic bundles following intense backlash from players. What began as a $145 digital item package—later discounted to $80—will now cost just $40 after the studio acknowledged community frustration over what many considered excessive pricing.
1047 Games CEO Ian Proulx addressed the controversy directly in a social media update, emphasizing the team’s commitment to player feedback. “We hear you loud and clear on store prices,” Proulx stated, confirming immediate price cuts for the Nano Swarm bundle and other in-game items. Players who previously purchased the bundle at higher rates will receive partial refunds to match the new pricing.
The decision highlights the growing tension between monetization strategies and player expectations in free-to-play titles. Proulx reiterated the studio’s “community first” philosophy, promising ongoing adjustments based on feedback. The move comes amid broader discussions about fairness in microtransactions, particularly for cosmetics that don’t affect gameplay.
Proulx also addressed another point of contention—a “Make FPS Great Again” cap featured in promotional material, which some interpreted as politically charged. He clarified the phrase was meant to celebrate the shooter genre’s resurgence, though acknowledged the unintended reaction.
The swift response suggests developers are increasingly attuned to player sentiment, especially in competitive live-service games where retention hinges on goodwill. With Splitgate 2 positioning itself as a fresh take on arena shooters, balancing revenue with accessibility remains critical. The studio’s willingness to pivot could set a precedent for how similar controversies are handled industry-wide.
For those catching up, this year’s Summer Game Fest and Sony’s State of Play unveiled major announcements, while Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase continues to generate buzz. As live-service models evolve, Splitgate 2’s pricing recalibration serves as a case study in player-driven development.
(Source: Euro Gamer)
