Splitgate 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the portal-powered shooter that took the gaming world by storm, is set to launch sometime in 2025. Announced on July 18, this free-to-play 4v4 title from 1047 Games aims to build upon the original’s success. Although the first game found a receptive audience when it launched in 2019, it wasn’t untilSplitgate’s viral console release in 2021that it truly captured the gaming spotlight. With its signature physics-based mechanics and addictive multiplayer,Splitgate 2is poised to be a thrilling sequel that feels nostalgically familiar.
WhileSplitgate 2is introducing several new features and mechanics, 1047 Games remains committed to preserving the classic shooter feel in the sequel. Recently, Game Rant spoke with Ian Proulx, creative director ofSplitgateand CEO of 1047, who shared insights into the game’s development journey, how they’re building on the foundation of the first game, and details about upcoming features.This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Splitgate 2’s Aspirations and Development Journey
Q: Which new mechanic, or feature, in the sequel is your favorite?
Proulx:Personally, I am very happy with thecrouch sliding! When I go back to play the originalSplitgate, it definitely feels amiss. My team and I carefully analyzed crouch sliding in games likeApex Legendsto really nail our version.
Q: With your studio focused on creating the game of your dreams, backed by a sizable team and resources, have there been any standout moments of triumph or disappointment during development?
Proulx:I think a great moment stemmed from participating in weekly playtests in the studio. While the design team conducts them daily, not everyone else does. After each playtest, we conducted surveys asking questions like “Did you have fun?” or “Did you want to keep playing?” Our ultimate goal was to create a game that was undeniably better than the first. Early on, without animations or sound, it was difficult to gauge our progress. Last November, we had a pivotal moment when the team unanimously agreed, “Yes, we’ve surpassed the firstSplitgate. This is it.”
Q: In today’s earlier conference, you mentioned the team discussed what elements to preserve and strive for inSplitgate 2. Were there any guidelines set for aspects you specifically wanted to avoid, aside from EMP grenades?
Proulx:Hmm, not in particular. At the end of the day, we wanted every button press to be fun. For example, when a player reloads, they might see a cool spin or a satisfying visual effect as they insert a mag. On the other hand, we found thatEMP grenadesweren’t fun. Tossing a grenade at a wall only for the enemy to open a new portal a few seconds later didn’t feel like a great use of a player’s time.
Splitgate 2 Set to Expand the Lore Behind Its Characters
Q: How does 1047 Games plan to integrate lore into the sequel, and will it extend to other mediums like cinematics, comics, or in-game vignettes?
Proulx:While we don’t have plans for in-game vignettes, we’re already releasing cinematic trailers alongside comic books. These can be read in theSplitgate 2Companion app, available for free on iOS and Android. The app also includes quizzes and collectible cards thatunlock in-game rewards forSplitgate 2. We’re planning to release more comic issues, quizzes, and cards regularly.
If we find that fans are really resonating with the storyline, we’ll happily dedicate more resources to expanding it. However, if we learn that our community just wants to run around and shoot other players, we’ll dial it back. Either way, it’ll be continually worked on.
Q: Can you share any details about the lore now, or will we need to wait until closer to the game’s release?
Proulx:I probably shouldn’t say too much now, as it might be a bit of a spoiler. I will say, in a lot of video games, characters die and respawn without any explanation. This concept is going to be explored in a future cinematic, but I can’t provide any details at the moment.
Splitgate 2 Aims to Enhance, Not Replace, the Original
Q: What are your expectations for how the meta will develop in Season 1? Do you believe any compositions, or Factions, stand out as clearly more dominant than the rest?
Proulx:I hope no faction will be overwhelmingly dominant, but it’s possible that may still happen.Strategywill be crucial, especially since players can’t switch Factions until the end of a round. While you can adjust your loadout after each death, choosing between Aeros, Meridian, or Sabrask is fixed until the next round.
This means you might strategize based on the previous round, such as deciding, “The enemy team was all Sabrask last round. What if we all go Aeros this time?” Of course, when professional players have tested the game, they’ve indicated that it’s best to have at least one of every Faction on the team.
Q: Will the Ranked system going intoSplitgate 2be undergoing any changes or reworks?
Proulx:We haven’t truly begun talking about Ranked just yet, but we will be innovating in small ways. We would like to keep what was working in the game.
Q: Given thatSplitgate 2follows its predecessor as a free-to-play game, are there any strategies in place to address these issues?
Proulx:We actually acquired our ownanti-cheat software, called EQU8, which works solely for our game. Cheating is something we take very seriously. I won’t pretend to know a lot about anti-cheat but I do know that our anti-cheat department has gone to great lengths to prevent it while ensuring it doesn’t hamper the game’s overall performance. That isn’t to say cheating won’t exist in the game, as it is inevitable, but we’re committed to making our game as fair as possible.
Q: For fans who enjoyed the Arena aspects of the originalSplitgate, how are you maintaining those elements while also introducing a fresh perspective to the game?
Proulx:Our game is still very much gun and mechanics-based rather than ability-based. I would call it moreValorantthanOverwatch. While the game is high-intensity and strategic, the abilities won’t be overwhelming. Our goal was to enhance the firstSplitgate, not redefine it. Therefore, for the fans who have their doubts, I would invite them to try it out. Let the game speak for itself!
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Splitgate 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Portal into the action as an elite Ace in Splitgate 2, the only free-to-play shooter where you’re able to teleport across the map to outsmart your opponents. Team up, customize weapons, and master portaling skills as you compete for glory in epic showdowns.Evolution Is Here - This is the future of Splitgate, bringing fast-paced portal gunplay with objective-based game modes, distinctive new maps, and a wild collection of weapons.Win From Any Angle - Dominate the competition with the ultimate tool: a portal gun. Flank your foes and turn the tide of combat by portaling across the map, or defy gravity to launch yourself for jaw-dropping aerial kills.Team Up and Earn Glory - Recruit your friends and compete for the respect of the entire galaxy. Take control of the Hotzone while your friends hold off enemies portaling in from all sides. Stand together and steamroll your opponents to win the match and claim victory.Multi-Team Mayhem - Take the action to the next level with the first of our upcoming Multi-Team-Mayhem modes, where 24 players compete in all-out warfare across a massive new map. Chaotic fun is guaranteed.
