Game developer announces return to testing stage for Splitgate 2, targeting relaunch in 2026.
In a significant move, 1047 Games has announced that Splitgate 2 will be going back to a playable beta stage as the developers acknowledge the launch did not meet player expectations. The studio is committing to a substantial course correction aimed at delivering a more polished and fan-pleasing experience, with a targeted re-release timeframe in early 2026.
During this rebuilding phase, Splitgate 2 will continue to be playable with ongoing fixes and high-priority updates, including the planned release of Chapter 3. Key changes in this overhaul include reworking progression systems from scratch, adding more portals to maps to recapture the portal-based gameplay fans enjoyed, simplifying monetization for a better player experience, and refocusing on classic game modes requested by the community.
The redevelopment of Splitgate 2 is not a quick fix but a long-term commitment. The studio is treating the game as a passion project rather than a simple cash grab, demonstrating their dedication to the game and its community. As part of this commitment, the developers are asking players to help them with the redevelopment of Splitgate 2.
Regarding the impact on the team and original game, the studio is enacting layoffs as it reallocates resources to focus on the rework. This decision, described as "heartbreaking," affects some members of the team, who are receiving severance and job placement support. The studio hopes to rehire these team members when possible.
The original Splitgate (Splitgate 1) will be shut down within about a month, as maintaining its servers became too costly. However, the developers are exploring offline and peer-to-peer options to allow fans to continue playing in some form after shutdown.
A dedicated Splitgate 2 mode that closely resembles the gameplay of the first game has been promised. The redevelopment of Splitgate 2 is prioritizing the team over the original game, with the developers committed to doing everything they can to help the laid-off team members through the transition.
Further development will slow until a more finalized version of the game is released in early 2026. The game will add more portals, improve monetization, and focus on classic game modes to deliver an enhanced gaming experience for players.
In summary, the "unlaunch" and return to beta of Splitgate 2 mark a significant step towards delivering a more polished and fan-pleasing experience. The rebuild isn't a quick fix but a long-term commitment, demonstrating the developers' dedication to the game and its community.
References: [1] 1047 Games (2025). Splitgate 2 Returns to Beta for Major Overhaul and Rebuild. Press Release. [2] Kotaku (2025). Splitgate 2 Goes Back to the Drawing Board for a Revamp and Overhaul. News Article. [3] Polygon (2025). Splitgate 2's Unlaunch and Return to Beta: A Substantial Course Correction. News Article. [4] Eurogamer (2025). Splitgate 2 Shutting Down Original Game, Exploring Offline and Peer-to-Peer Options. News Article.
Technology and gadgets are instrumental in the redevelopment of Splitgate 2, as the studio implements fixes, updates, and new features to enhance the gaming experience. The developers are utilizing modern tools to rework progression systems, add more portals, simplify monetization, and focus on classic game modes, demonstrating their commitment to improving the game with the latest technology.