Splitgate 2 Hits Pause: Beta Relaunch and Staff Cuts Ahead of 2026 Comeback
Splitgate 2 is officially “unlaunching.” After its surprise debut in June, 1047 Games has decided to roll the game back into beta and pause its original roadmap. The studio plans a full relaunch in early 2026, alongside some significant changes including staff cuts and server shutdowns for the original Splitgate.
- Splitgate 2 returns to beta with ongoing support
- 1047 Games plans a major overhaul targeting early 2026 relaunch
- Staff layoffs and original Splitgate server shutdown announced
- Monetization and gameplay adjustments coming based on community feedback
Going Back to Beta
Following a rocky launch filled with bugs, missing ranked modes, and pricey cosmetics, 1047 Games CEO Ian Proulx admitted they “missed the mark.” The game will stay online in beta with a season 3 update and bug fixes, but the team is hitting pause on their initial plans to focus on a complete overhaul. This means less secrecy and more community involvement going forward. Proulx said, “We’re going to actually do it alongside the community, get their feedback, playtest, and then when we feel like… that’s when we’re going to relaunch.”
What’s Changing?
The studio is listening closely to player feedback, including a giant Reddit thread and other social channels. Planned improvements include adding ranked leaderboards, more mode-specific playlists, and increasing portal walls to bring back the signature Splitgate gameplay. The game modes themselves will shift focus away from round-based formats to better capture the flow of the original.
Monetization will also get a revamp after backlash over an $80 skin bundle at launch. Proulx reflected on the mistakes made, saying, “I’ve made many, many, many mistakes … That controversy dovetailed with another surrounding the launch: Proulx’s now infamous Summer Game Fest stunt.”
Controversial Launch Moment
The CEO sparked additional heat by wearing a “Make FPS Great Again” hat during Summer Game Fest, referencing a politically charged slogan. Despite the backlash, Proulx insists this moment didn’t influence the decision to unlaunch. He emphasized, “If it was a 10 out of 10, feature-complete game… they would be playing it right now.”
Staff Cuts and Original Splitgate Servers
As part of cost-cutting, 1047 Games is reducing staff numbers, though the exact scale and affected departments remain undisclosed. This marks the second wave of layoffs in two months. Additionally, servers for the original Splitgate will shut down next month, but the studio is exploring options for offline or peer-to-peer play to keep that experience alive.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks, Proulx remains hopeful. “We’ve been here before and we are as determined as ever,” he said. The team will continue supporting Splitgate 2 with seasonal updates and special events while dedicating most of their effort to the relaunch planned for early 2026—or sooner if ready.
For those curious about the full scope of the announcement, you can watch the video interview with Ian Proulx here.
