"1047 Games Decides to Re-enter Beta Phase for Splitgate 2, Shifting Focus and Streamlining Workforce Amidst Uncertainties"
=========================================================================================
In a surprising move, developers at 1047 Games have announced that they are revertiing the sequel to the popular free-to-play portal FPS game, Splitgate 2, back to beta status[1][2][5]. The decision comes following a less-than-stellar launch in June 2025, which was met with complaints about bugs, a lack of a ranked mode, controversial and costly cosmetics, and certain game modes causing backlash[1][3][5].
The game's developers admitted that they "bit off more than they could chew," launched the game too early, and made "boneheaded mistakes" in the process[1][3][5]. As a result, on July 22-23, 2025, 1047 Games announced that they were reverting Splitgate 2 to beta status in order to rework the game[1][2][5].
The plan includes rebuilding progression systems from the ground up, adding more portals to maps (a core gameplay element), simplifying monetization, refocusing on classic game modes preferred by players, and working on other improvements[1][2][5]. This redevelopment phase is expected to last until early 2026[1][2][5].
In parallel with this move, 1047 Games also announced the shutdown of the original Splitgate servers[1][5]. This was part of a cost-cutting measure including layoffs, though the exact number of affected employees was not disclosed[1][5]. The studio is exploring offline play options for the original game to allow continued enjoyment in some form despite the server shutdown[1][5].
The sudden pivot to reworking the game is the reason for the layoffs at the studio. The developers hope to bring back the laid-off employees when they can[1][5]. The reworked Splitgate 2 is expected to deliver on the "promise of the original" when it eventually re-releases.
The way Blizzard handled the release of a sequel to Overwatch has some similarities to the situation with Splitgate 2. Multiversus, a free-to-play fighting game, faced similar issues and was taken offline a year after its launch to prep for its final release[1][4].
Some users on the Splitgate subreddit are pointing out the similarities to the announcements and issues of Multiversus[1][4]. Despite the challenges, the Splitgate subreddit users are taking the news surprisingly well and are eager to see the game improved[1][4]. However, some commentators speculate that the delay until early 2026 and loss of player goodwill might severely impact the game's future viability[1][4].
Timeline
- June 6, 2025: Splitgate 2 is launched.
- July 22-23, 2025: Splitgate 2 is reverted to beta status.
- Expected release date: Early 2026.
Key Players
- Developer: 1047 Games.
- CEO: Ian Proulx.
- Co-founder: Nicholas Bagamian.
Impact
- Initial Reception: Underwhelming, bugs, lack of ranked mode, costly microtransactions, leaked Battle Royale mode backlash.
- Planned Changes: Rework progression, add portals, simplify monetization, refocus on classic modes.
- Community Impact: Mixed hope for recovery, concerns over lost goodwill.
- Original Splitgate: Servers shut down to reduce costs.
- Layoffs: Announced, number unspecified.
This reflects a major pivot to salvage Splitgate 2 by addressing community feedback and internal challenges after a problematic release and simultaneously scaling back operations with layoffs and shutting down the original game's online support[1][2][5].
[1] GamesIndustry.biz (2025). Splitgate 2 reverted to beta as 1047 Games addresses player feedback and internal challenges. Retrieved from https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2025-07-23-splitgate-2-reverted-to-beta-as-1047-games-addresses-player-feedback-and-internal-challenges
[2] PC Gamer (2025). Splitgate 2 goes back to beta, with a release date set for early 2026. Retrieved from https://www.pcgamer.com/splitgate-2-goes-back-to-beta-with-a-release-date-set-for-early-2026/
[3] Polygon (2025). Splitgate 2 review: A missed opportunity. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2025/6/6/23175408/splitgate-2-review-portal-fps-shooter-multiplayer
[4] Kotaku (2025). Splitgate 2 is going back to beta, and fans are worried about its future. Retrieved from https://kotaku.com/splitgate-2-is-going-back-to-beta-and-fans-are-worried-1848885012
[5] IGN (2025). Splitgate 2 is going back to beta, 1047 Games announces. Retrieved from https://www.ign.com/articles/splitgate-2-is-going-back-to-beta-1047-games-announces
- Fans of Splitgate are disappointed by the decision to revert the game back to beta, but some are hopeful that the rework will deliver on the original game's promise.
- With the shutdown of the original Splitgate servers, some gamers are now looking to technology and gadgets such as LAN adapters or emulators to continue playing the game.
- The developers of Splitgate have admitted their mistakes and are now aiming to win back the goodwill of the players by reworking the game, following the model of other problematic sequels like Multiversus.
- In an effort to focus on the redevelopment of Splitgate 2, the developers announced betas and other change, affecting both the gameplay and the company's internal structure, including layoffs.
