Splitgate 2 Dev Hit by Layoffs, Founders Forgo Salaries to Focus on Project
▼ Summary
– 1047 Games confirmed layoffs and its co-founders are forgoing salaries to help the studio recover from challenges with Splitgate 2.
– Splitgate 2’s launch was marred by controversy, including a marketing gaffe and criticism over a $145 microtransaction bundle.
– The game’s peak concurrent Steam player count (25,785) was significantly lower than the original Splitgate’s (67,724), with mixed user reviews.
– Despite having over 2.5 million players across platforms, 1047 Games admitted the reaction to Splitgate 2 was more negative than expected.
– Key staff departures were announced on social media, and the game’s current Steam player count has dropped to 4,437 at the time of reporting.
The team behind Splitgate 2 has faced significant challenges, with layoffs hitting developer 1047 Games as the studio works to stabilize the project. Founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian have chosen to forgo their salaries in an effort to redirect resources toward improving the game. This decision follows a rocky launch period marked by controversy and underwhelming player numbers compared to its predecessor.
Originally dubbed ‘Halo with portals,’ Splitgate 2 debuted with mixed reception, partly due to a polarizing marketing moment at Summer Game Fest where Proulx wore a hat reading ‘Make FPS Great Again’ and took a jab at Call of Duty. The game’s initial release also drew criticism for its $145 microtransaction bundle, further alienating some players. On Steam, peak concurrent players reached just 25,785, far below the original Splitgate’s 67,724 record. While the studio reported over 2.5 million players across all platforms, engagement has since declined, with recent Steam counts hovering around 4,400 active users.
In a LinkedIn post, 1047 Games confirmed the layoffs, describing them as affecting a “small group” of employees. The statement emphasized the studio’s commitment to refining Splitgate 2 based on player feedback, though it did not disclose exact figures on staff reductions. Several key team members have since announced their departures on social media.
Proulx previously admitted surprise at the backlash, telling IGN, “We didn’t expect this to be nearly as controversial as it was.” Despite the setbacks, the developers remain focused on long-term improvements, pledging to deliver more content for the existing player base.
IGN’s review scored Splitgate 2 a 7/10, calling it a “decent successor that expands on the original without surpassing it.” Whether the studio can regain momentum remains uncertain, but the founders’ financial sacrifice signals their determination to steer the project back on track.
(Source: IGN)
