Summer Game Fest Highlights: Ian Proulx Unveils Splitgate 2
1047 Games’ Bold Move
At the Summer Game Fest, Ian Proulx, cofounder of 1047 Games, took center stage to promote their highly anticipated game, Splitgate 2. During his presentation, he candidly addressed the current state of online shooters, diverging from the typical marketing tactics common among his peers.
A Call for Innovation
Proulx expressed his desire to see Titanfall 3 released, emphasizing the need for fresh content in the gaming industry. While wearing a “Make FPS Great Again” hat, he described Splitgate 2’s new battle royale mode as “fucking awesome,” showcasing his enthusiasm for innovation in the FPS genre.
What is Splitgate 2?
Splitgate 2 introduces a free-to-play arena-style shooter experience where players can deploy portals to manipulate the game environment and outsmart their opponents. Proulx mentioned he grew up playing Halo and expressed his weariness with the repetitive nature of annual Call of Duty releases, stressing the importance of originality.
Launch Day and Features
Released today on both console and PC, Splitgate 2 follows a successful beta last month. The game’s battle royale mode is live, promising to blend old-school arena shooter mechanics with innovative portal technology that transports players to different worlds.
Challenging the Status Quo
Proulx’s remarks served as a critique of larger game developers, particularly EA and Activision, suggesting that while they’ve resorted to predictable cash-grabs, his team at 1047 is redefining the landscape with a game created by gamers, for gamers.
Current Events Context
Interestingly, Proulx’s playful reference to “Make America Great Again” coincided with local tensions between Los Angeles residents and law enforcement, illustrating the unique cultural moment during the Summer Game Fest event. The contrast between gaming and real-world issues provided an intriguing backdrop to his presentation.
A Look Back at Splitgate
The original Splitgate launched in early access in 2019 and saw a surge in popularity. However, by 2022, the studio shifted its focus to a new project, ultimately unveiling that this new endeavor was in fact Splitgate 2.
