Splitgate 2: 1047 Games' AAA Ambition to Shake Up the Free-to-Play FPS Market

Two years after Splitgate’s surge in popularity, 1047 Games has unveiled an ambitious sequel aimed at propelling the franchise into the AAA category (big-budget productions), capable of competing with the industry’s biggest players. The first game, released in 2019 on PC to moderate success, really took off in 2021 with the launch of the beta version on PlayStation and Xbox. With a peak of 2 million daily active users and approximately 22 million total downloads, Splitgate has established itself as a staple of the multiplayer shooter landscape.

The Legacy of the First Game and Feedback from the Community

The franchise's initial success is based on actively listening to players. Feedback from the community on the first Splitgate highlighted the strength of an innovative concept—often described as a cross between Halo and Portal—that combines fast-paced shootouts with the strategic use of teleportation portals.

However, the community also pointed out the technical limitations of the first game, particularly a lack of depth in character development and graphics that could have been improved, due to the studio’s initially limited size. It was precisely to address these weaknesses and take a significant leap forward in quality that 1047 Games restructured its teams.

"We had to recruit a team of experienced developers to enhance our capabilities," explains Hilary Goldstein, one of the project leads. "I’m lucky to be working with people who have contributed to some of my favorite games, including veterans from Riot Games, 343 Industries, and Activision Blizzard. We needed this talent to ensure that Splitgate 2 isn’t just an improvement on the first game, but a full-fledged sequel."

Comparative Analysis: Splitgate 2 vs. the Market Giants

To establish itself in the long term, Splitgate 2 must compete against well-established rivals.

• Apex Legends (Electronic Arts): This game is based on the team-based Battle Royale model, featuring characters with unique abilities (Hero Shooter). Splitgate 2 stands out by retaining a more traditional, enclosed arena format, where vertical movement and map control depend on mastering portals rather than magical or technological powers.
• Call of Duty: Warzone (Activision): Focused on military realism and classic shooting mechanics, Warzone targets a traditional audience. Splitgate 2 offers a decidedly more futuristic alternative based on responsiveness, drawing closer to the "arena shooters" of the 2000s.
• Shared Business Model: Like Fortnite and its other competitors, Splitgate 2 adopts a free-to-play model (completely free). Revenue will be generated through optional cosmetic items (skins, battle passes), ensuring complete fairness among players without any "pay-to-win" mechanics.

New Features and Their Impact on the Free-to-Play FPS Market

To accompany this announcement, a cinematic teaser was released, offering a glimpse of the new gameplay features. Industry experts agree that this sequel could seriously shake up the first-person shooter (FPS) market thanks to several major advancements:

• The introduction of factions or specialized classes: Allowing players to choose a playstyle suited to their role on the team (speed, defense, support), thereby enhancing the strategic depth of matches.
• A complete graphical and engine overhaul: Developed by industry veterans, featuring modern visuals that meet PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S standards.
• A redesign of the portal system: Designed to be more fluid and intuitive, lowering the barrier to entry for new players while maintaining a very high skill ceiling for esports.

Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, the game has a solid financial foundation. 1047 Games’ latest funding round, which closed in September 2021, raised $100 million, demonstrating investors’ confidence in the studio’s long-term vision. With Splitgate 2, the studio appears poised to become a true heavyweight in the industry.

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