In a significant pivot for 1047 Games, the studio has announced it will cease development on both the recently launched PvP arena shooter, Empulse, and its predecessor, Splitgate: Arena Reloaded. The decision stems from the realization that neither title is generating sufficient revenue to cover operational expenses. While the studio will continue to exist, its strategic focus is set to shift, hinting that future projects may diverge from the established formula.
Reflections on Splitgate’s Journey
The original Splitgate: Arena Warfare, which debuted in 2019, captured the gaming community’s attention, becoming a phenomenon that brought both acclaim and challenges. The initial crossplay beta was plagued by overwhelming popularity, necessitating a delay for enhancements to the server infrastructure. This surge in interest led co-founder and CEO Ian Proulx to envision 1047 Games as a potential rival to industry giants like Riot Games. However, the anticipated follow-up, Splitgate 2, and the subsequent Empulse failed to replicate that success, leading to a series of layoffs just a month post-launch.
In a recent update on Steam, the studio expressed its commitment to supporting both Empulse and Splitgate: Arena Reloaded through peer-to-peer matchmaking, despite the discontinuation of dedicated servers. Players will still have the ability to host matches and connect with friends indefinitely. Additionally, Empulse will receive a final new map and a price reduction, providing a last opportunity for engagement with the titles.
In a heartfelt message, 1047 Games acknowledged the contributions of its team members, both past and present, stating, “To everyone who worked on Splitgate, Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, and Empulse… thank you. You put years of your lives into them, and we are grateful for what you helped build.” The studio also extended gratitude to the players who participated in the journey, emphasizing the importance of community feedback and engagement.
As the studio prepares for its next chapter, it leaves behind a legacy of innovation and community involvement, with a promise to keep players engaged in the evolving landscape of gaming.
