1047 Games Confirms Layoffs Following Splitgate 2's Challenging Launch
The developer behind Splitgate 2, 1047 Games, has announced workforce reductions, with an undisclosed number of employees let go. Studio co-founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian will forego their salaries as part of restructuring efforts.
The free-to-play shooter drew controversy at launch when Proulx appeared at Summer Game Fest wearing a "Make FPS Great Again" hat while criticizing Call of Duty—a move widely viewed as a marketing misstep. Additionally, the game faced backlash over a $145 in-game bundle.
On Steam, Splitgate 2 peaked at 25,785 concurrent players—significantly lower than the original Splitgate's 67,724—and currently holds "Mixed" user reviews. While 1047 Games reported over 2.5 million total players across platforms, player engagement has fallen below expectations.
In a LinkedIn statement, the studio described the layoffs as affecting a "small group" of employees, emphasizing its commitment to refining Splitgate 2 based on feedback:
"Today we parted ways with a small group of valued 1047 Games team members. 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. [...] Further, our co-founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian have opted not to take salaries as we lock in to deliver the next phase of the project."
Several key team members have since announced departures on social media. Meanwhile, Steam concurrents have declined to a 24-hour peak of 10,059 players.
IGN's Verdict:
Our 7/10 review noted: "Splitgate 2 improves upon its predecessor without fully surpassing it."
The studio reaffirmed its dedication to long-term development, stating: "We are committed to building this game for the long haul."
