Splitgate 2: A Rollercoaster Ride from Viral Hit to Controversial Reboot

By Aaron James Stead 26/08/2025

What was meant to be the triumphant next chapter of a fan-favourite arena shooter has instead become one of the most turbulent launches in recent gaming memory. From a hyped reveal and ambitious promises to backlash, controversy, and even an unprecedented rollback from full release back into beta, the story of Splitgate 2 is as complicated as it is fascinating.

A Look Back at the Original Splitgate

The original Splitgate, first released in early access in 2019, quickly gained a cult following for its unique blend of classic arena-shooter mechanics and the mind-bending use of portals. Developed by just a small team of Stanford graduates, the game stood out in a market dominated by battle royales, offering a throwback to the fast-paced precision of Halo and Quake while layering in fresh mechanics that rewarded creativity and spatial awareness. Its unexpected surge in popularity—even overloading servers during its peak in 2021—turned Splitgate into a surprise hit, proving that there was still a hungry audience for arena shooters done differently. This success laid the groundwork for the ambitious sequel, raising expectations that Splitgate 2 would build on and expand the formula.

High Expectations for a Sequel

When Splitgate 2 was announced in July 2024, expectations were high. The original Splitgate—born as a college project—had captured players’ imaginations with its mix of arena shooter gunplay and Halo-meets-Portal mechanics. With Unreal Engine 5, new factions, and class-based play, the sequel was marketed as a true next step for the franchise and for competitive shooters.

The road since then has been anything but smooth.

From Open Beta to Full Release

After months of anticipation, Splitgate 2 launched its open beta in May 2025, followed by an official release in June. Early interest was strong, with players eager to test the revamped systems and lore-driven design.

here is the trailer for Splitgate 2's open beta

Backlash and Controversy

Excitement soon collided with controversy. Microtransaction pricing drew criticism, prompting the developers to slash prices by half. A publicity stunt involving a “Make FPS Great Again” hat only deepened frustrations, leaving some players questioning the studio’s messaging and priorities.

Performance issues and design feedback compounded the problems, creating further tension between the developers and the community.

The Unprecedented Rollback

Barely a month after its launch, developer 1047 Games made the unprecedented decision to “un-launch” Splitgate 2, rolling it back into beta. In a candid public statement, the studio admitted the release had been premature and promised a renewed focus on stability, polish, and community-driven improvements.

The move was met with mixed reactions. Some players applauded the transparency and willingness to course-correct, while others worried it reflected deeper instability in the game’s development.

Looking Ahead

As of late 2025, Splitgate 2 remains in beta, with continued support planned well into 2026. Whether the game will reclaim its early momentum or fade under the weight of its own ambitions remains to be seen—but few can deny that its journey has already set a precedent for how modern multiplayer games evolve under public scrutiny.