In a surprising turn of events, 1047 Games has announced that Splitgate 2 will be effectively 'unlaunched' and returned to beta development, while simultaneously preparing to shut down servers for the original Splitgate. This decision comes alongside significant layoffs at the studio, affecting over 40 employees.

Despite a promising beta period, Splitgate 2 failed to achieve the same player engagement levels as its predecessor. The game's June 6th launch was met with criticism regarding its premium pricing model and lack of innovative features compared to the original title.

Following player backlash, 1047 Games implemented price reductions for in-game purchases, as detailed in this report. However, Steam player statistics show these changes failed to significantly boost the game's popularity, leading to the radical decision to return to development.

Studio co-founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian acknowledged in an official statement that Splitgate 2 launched prematurely with unfinished features. As IGN reports, the game will undergo extensive revisions with plans to relaunch in 2026, incorporating more community feedback through playtests and surveys.

The restructuring comes at significant human cost, with 45 employees losing their jobs - the second round of layoffs following previous departures earlier this year.

In related news, 1047 Games confirmed the impending shutdown of the original Splitgate servers, likely within August. While the developers expressed desire to maintain the servers indefinitely, operational costs exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars made this unsustainable.

The studio is exploring alternative solutions to preserve access to the original game, including potential offline play and peer-to-peer matchmaking options for dedicated fans.

Despite these challenges, 1047 Games remains committed to delivering Chapter 3 and other planned updates for Splitgate 2 before its transition back to beta. The gaming community remains divided, with some players expressing frustration while others maintain hope for the franchise's future.