Splitgate 2’s Rocky Launch Leads to Beta Return and Staff Reductions at 1047 Games
The launch of Splitgate 2 on June 6th during Summer Game Fest was not the triumphant return many fans had anticipated. Following a wave of largely negative feedback, developer 1047 Games has announced a significant shift in direction: a return to beta development and a reduction in staff. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the studio and the future of the portal-based shooter franchise.
“Launched Too Early”: 1047 Games Acknowledges Splitgate 2’s Shortcomings
In a candid Steam post, 1047 Games co-founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian addressed the community, acknowledging that Splitgate 2 “launched too early” and fell short of expectations. The developers admitted to rushing certain features and making critical errors, ultimately failing to deliver the polished experience players had come to expect and love.
Key Issues Driving the Return to Beta
The post outlined several key areas where Splitgate 2 failed to meet the mark, including:
- Rushed Features: The development team acknowledged that some features were pushed out before being fully polished, leading to a subpar player experience.
- Boneheaded Mistakes: The studio owned up to making critical errors in the design and implementation of certain game mechanics.
- Lack of Polish: Players noted a distinct lack of polish compared to the original Splitgate, impacting overall enjoyment.
The decision to return to beta reflects 1047 Games’ commitment to addressing these shortcomings and rebuilding Splitgate 2 from the ground up.
Revamping Splitgate 2: A Deep Dive Into the Beta Rework
The return to beta isn’t simply a period of bug fixes and minor tweaks. 1047 Games plans a comprehensive overhaul of Splitgate 2, targeting fundamental aspects of the game.
Core Areas of Redesign
The development roadmap for the beta period includes significant changes to the following:
- Progression Systems: The entire progression system will be reworked from scratch, aiming for a more rewarding and engaging experience. Expect new challenges, unlockables, and a more meaningful sense of progression.
- Map Portal Density: The number of portals available on maps will be increased, encouraging more creative and dynamic gameplay. This should lead to faster-paced matches and more strategic portal placements.
- Monetization Simplification: The monetization model will be streamlined and made less intrusive. The goal is to create a fairer system that rewards player engagement without feeling predatory.
- Focus on Classic Game Modes: The team will refocus on the classic game modes that made the original Splitgate so popular, ensuring a return to the core gameplay experience that players loved. Expect a strong emphasis on balanced gameplay and competitive integrity.
Extensive Community Feedback Integration
1047 Games emphasizes that community feedback will be central to the beta development process. They plan to host more playtests and send out frequent surveys to gather player opinions and suggestions. This iterative approach aims to ensure that the final product reflects the desires and expectations of the Splitgate community.
The developers are committed to transparency and open communication throughout the beta period, regularly sharing updates and responding to player concerns.
Staff Reductions: A Necessary Step for Long-Term Sustainability
The decision to return to beta and rebuild Splitgate 2 has unfortunately necessitated a reduction in staff at 1047 Games. The studio stated that this move was crucial to reallocating development resources towards the rework and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project.
Support for Affected Employees
1047 Games has pledged to provide affected employees with severance packages and job placement support. The studio hopes to bring them back once development resources allow. This reflects a commitment to treating employees fairly during a difficult time.
The team is actively working to connect former employees with new opportunities in the games industry.
Sunset of the Original Splitgate Servers: Prioritizing Development Resources
To further save costs and focus on Splitgate 2’s overhaul, 1047 Games will shut down the servers for the original Splitgate in one month. While acknowledging the disappointment this will cause to dedicated players, the studio emphasized that maintaining the servers has been a significant financial burden, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past couple of years.
Exploring Offline and Peer-to-Peer Options
To mitigate the impact of the server shutdown, 1047 Games is exploring options for supporting offline or peer-to-peer matches for fans of the original Splitgate. This would allow players to continue enjoying the game with friends, even without dedicated servers.
The studio is also considering releasing community modding tools to allow fans to further customize and expand the original Splitgate experience.
Addressing the Summer Game Fest Controversy: A Statement on “Make FPS Great Again”
The launch of Splitgate 2 was further complicated by a controversy surrounding co-founder Ian Proulx’s appearance at the Summer Game Fest Showcase. Proulx wore a hat bearing the message “Make FPS Great Again,” a play on the slogan of the “MAGA” political movement. This action sparked criticism and backlash from players and industry peers, with some vowing not to play Splitgate 2 as a result.
Proulx’s Apology and 1047’s Commitment to Inclusivity
Proulx initially attempted to clarify his actions but later issued a video apology, acknowledging that his choice of attire was insensitive and tone-deaf. 1047 Games has reiterated its commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all players.
The studio is actively working to rebuild trust with the community and ensure that Splitgate 2 is a game that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their political beliefs.
Looking Ahead: Splitgate 2’s Future and 1047 Games’ Determination
Despite the challenges faced during the launch of Splitgate 2, 1047 Games remains determined to deliver a high-quality, polished game that lives up to the potential of the franchise. The return to beta represents a significant investment in the future of Splitgate 2, and the studio is committed to working closely with the community to create a game that players will love.
Chapter 3 Still on the Horizon
Despite the setbacks, 1047 Games has confirmed that Chapter 3 of the game is still planned and will be shipped. This demonstrates the studio’s continued commitment to delivering new content and expanding the Splitgate universe.
A Message of Resilience
“We’ve faced a lot of dark days and have made many mistakes, but we’ve learned a lot and are as determined as ever to make Splitgate as great as possible,” reads 1047’s Steam update. “Splitgate has been our life for 10 years, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’ve got work to do, but we aren’t giving up.”
This message of resilience and determination is a testament to 1047 Games’ passion for Splitgate and their unwavering commitment to delivering a fantastic gaming experience. We at Gaming News look forward to following their progress and providing updates on the development of Splitgate 2.