In an industry where new multiplayer shooters often struggle to carve out their identity amidst titans like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Apex Legends, the journey of Splitgate and its creators at 1047 Games stands out as a remarkable narrative of resilience and innovation. Initially launched on Steam in 2019, Splitgate faced significant challenges in attracting a consistent player base. However, the game experienced a renaissance in 2021 with its console ports, culminating in a peak of 200,000 concurrent players during the summer, momentarily positioning it among the most-played games worldwide.
As the creators reflected on their success, they recognized the need for a fresh start. Ian Proulx, the creative director, acknowledged that the original Splitgate was built on a foundation of early student projects, featuring rudimentary maps and an inconsistent art style. This realization paved the way for Splitgate 2, which is being developed on the advanced Unreal Engine 5. Proulx expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, emphasizing a commitment to “triple-A everything”—from graphics and sound to animation and visual effects.
Class Acts
The development team dedicated the initial months to conceptualizing the essence of Splitgate 2. Proulx envisioned a sequel that would foster teamwork, deliver “world-class” seasonal updates, and offer a diverse range of gameplay while ensuring accessibility without compromising skill depth. The creative exploration led to a unique blend of gameplay styles, resulting in three distinct classes: Aeros, Sabrask, and Meridian.
- Aeros: A movement-centric class designed for players who thrive on speed and aggressive play, reminiscent of those who enjoy building in Fortnite.
- Sabrask: A defensive class equipped with barrier walls, catering to players who prefer a more traditional run-and-gun approach.
- Meridian: The support class, featuring abilities like wall hacks and healing stations, enhancing team dynamics.
Proulx noted that despite the differences in abilities, the core of Splitgate 2 remains rooted in fundamental gunplay and portal mechanics, aiming for a balance where skill and strategy take precedence over abilities.
Growing Lanes
Another significant evolution in Splitgate 2 is its map design. Departing from the vertical, asymmetrical arenas of its predecessor, the new game introduces “three-lane style” maps that echo the layout of Call of Duty. This shift is a response to player feedback regarding the confusion often experienced in the original game’s complex environments. Proulx explained that the flatter maps provide a clearer structure, allowing players to navigate more intuitively while still incorporating strategic portal placements.
While the new maps are visually striking and artistically ambitious, there are concerns about their memorability. The streamlined design may sacrifice some of the unique character found in the original game’s more eccentric layouts. Nevertheless, the focus on accessibility and clarity aims to enhance the overall player experience.
Hot Zone
Among the new modes, Hot Zone stands out as a fresh take on the classic King of the Hill format. Proulx highlighted the mode’s design, which seeks to make kills impactful while still allowing for respawns. The round-based structure introduces escalating respawn timers, adding a layer of strategy as teams vie for control of objectives. This innovative approach encourages dynamic gameplay and the potential for dramatic comebacks, keeping players engaged throughout the match.
Meaningful Variety
Looking ahead, Proulx has ambitious plans for the variety of game modes in Splitgate 2. While the initial playtest will feature Hot Zone and Team Deathmatch, he envisions a rotating selection of modes that will keep the game fresh and engaging for players over time.