Key Takeaways
1. 1047 Games “unlaunched” Splitgate 2, reverting it to beta status after a problematic release with low player numbers and mixed community reactions.
2. The launch faced significant issues, including technical problems, excessive microtransactions, and a lack of the original game’s appeal.
3. Player numbers drastically declined from 25,785 to 1,839 concurrent players, a 93% drop in just one month.
4. The game received 18,260 reviews on Steam with a 61% positive rating, compared to the original’s 91% rating, largely due to community frustrations over missing features and pricing.
5. 1047 Games plans to focus on a major overhaul for a relaunch in 2026, addressing monetization, gameplay mechanics, and community feedback.
To the astonishment of many, 1047 Games has made the surprising decision to “unlaunch” Splitgate 2, their eagerly awaited FPS sequel, reverting it to “Beta Status” after a problematic release on June 6, 2025.
In a frank message posted on Splitgate 2’s official X account and Steam page, co-founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian explained that the choice was driven by lower-than-expected player numbers and mixed reactions from the community. Additionally, the studio revealed that they had to let go of 45 employees, which is around 28% of their team, and announced that servers would be taken offline in August. These layoffs are due to the studio’s decision to refocus its resources for a complete game overhaul.
A Troubled Launch
To give some background, Splitgate 2’s launch faced challenges from the beginning. The game suffered from numerous technical problems, an overemphasis on microtransactions, and a noticeable absence of the “polished, portal-filled mayhem” that made the first game a success in 2019.
Data from SteamDB highlights a drastic decline in player numbers. Once boasting 25,785 concurrent players last month, the game has now plummeted to a peak of only 1,839 in a 24-hour period. This represents a staggering 93% decrease in player count in just one month.
Community Backlash
Currently, the game has amassed 18,260 reviews on Steam, holding a 61% positive rating. In contrast, the original game received 91% positive feedback out of 111,737 reviews. This drop in approval seems to stem from player frustration. Many gamers voiced their displeasure over the absence of a ranked mode and the introduction of an absurd $80 cosmetic bundle, which was later reduced to $40 due to the overwhelming negative response it generated.
Acknowledging their missteps, 1047 Games took responsibility, admitting they rushed certain features, made “boneheaded mistakes,” and acknowledged that they “bit off more than they could chew.”
Future Plans for Splitgate 2
Regarding the “unlaunch” of Splitgate 2, the game will still be playable, but it will revert back to beta status. 1047 Games has stated that they are focusing 95% of their resources on a significant overhaul planned for a relaunch in 2026. Their objectives include streamlining monetization, introducing additional portal structures, devising a better progression system, and integrating community feedback along with necessary bug fixes.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply