1047 Games, the developer behind the recently launched Splitgate 2, has confirmed a round of layoffs just weeks after the game’s official release on June 6, 2025. The decision affects an undisclosed number of employees and follows the game’s successful early performance on both PC and consoles.
A Strong Start Followed by a Tough Decision
Splitgate 2, a free-to-play arena FPS, entered open beta on May 22 and officially launched across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox on June 6. The sequel was met with enthusiasm from the gaming community, with its player count tripling from the beta period and hitting over 25,000 peak concurrent players on Steam. The console launch was equally successful, positioning the game as a rising star in the competitive shooter genre.
However, despite this strong debut, 1047 Games announced that it had laid off “a small group” of employees. The studio shared the news in a LinkedIn post, explaining that the move was part of a broader strategy to allocate resources effectively and continue improving the live-service game.
Founders Forgo Salaries as Studio Doubles Down on Development
In a rare show of commitment, co-founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian have chosen to give up their salaries to help sustain the studio and support the remaining development team. The post emphasized that the studio is still “perfecting” the Splitgate 2 experience and actively listening to community feedback to shape the game’s future.
“We remain committed to making the best game possible for our players,” the company said. “These changes will help us ensure Splitgate 2 continues to grow in the long term.”
Support for Laid-Off Employees
1047 Games also stated that it is assisting the affected team members in finding new opportunities within the industry, highlighting its efforts to treat the situation with empathy and professionalism.
Part of a Growing Trend in the Gaming Industry
This announcement adds 1047 Games to a growing list of game developers impacted by layoffs in 2025, despite commercial success. As live-service models demand continuous updates and evolving infrastructure, many mid-sized studios are grappling with the balance between player expectations and financial sustainability.
What’s Next for Splitgate 2?
Despite the layoffs, the future of Splitgate 2 appears intact. The development team continues to expand and refine the game, with a long-term vision for consistent content updates and competitive play. With its strong launch foundation and a committed leadership team, fans can expect the Splitgate universe to keep evolving — even amid internal restructuring.