Splitgate 2 Studio Faces Challenges, Lays Off Staff
1047 Games, the studio behind the free-to-play portal-based first-person shooter Splitgate 2, has announced that it has laid off a “small group” of developers. The exact number of employees affected was not disclosed by the company.
The announcement was made via a LinkedIn post, where 1047 Games stated they “parted ways with a small group of valued team members.” The studio framed the decision as a strategic move to refocus resources. “We’re still perfecting the Splitgate 2 gameplay experience in response to community feedback, and we are redirecting resources to build the best game for our players,” the post read.
Adding to the significant developments, Splitgate 2 co-founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian have temporarily suspended their own salaries. They will not be taking pay “as we lock in to deliver the next phase of the project.” Despite the staffing changes, 1047 Games reiterated its commitment to the player base, assuring fans they are “continuing to work hard to deliver more things we know you’ll love” and remain “committed to building this game for the long haul.”
A Difficult Period for the Studio
These layoffs come during what has been a notably challenging time for 1047 Games and Splitgate 2. Just recently, the studio faced backlash following co-founder Ian Proulx’s controversial appearance at Summer Game Fest wearing a hat referencing a political slogan.
Furthermore, in the same week as the hat controversy, Splitgate 2‘s microtransactions drew heavy criticism from players who found them excessively expensive. In response, 1047 Games implemented price cuts on some items, reducing costs by half, and offered partial refunds to those who had already made purchases at the higher prices. Despite these efforts, the game currently holds a “Mixed” rating on Steam.
Broader Context: Layoffs Impacting the Gaming Industry
The layoffs at 1047 Games are not an isolated incident but rather reflect a challenging period impacting studios across the gaming landscape. Recently, reports also surfaced that Sony’s Bend Studio, known for Days Gone, had laid off roughly 30% of its staff. This occurred after Sony reportedly canceled the studio’s planned live service project. While the specifics differ, these events highlight the volatile nature of game development and the difficult decisions studios are facing in the current market climate, particularly surrounding project focus and financial sustainability.
As Splitgate 2 navigates community feedback, controversial moments, and now staffing reductions alongside leadership salary cuts, the studio maintains its focus on delivering the next phase of the FPS and building the game “for the long haul.”
