Introduction: A Launch Marred by Controversy

Just last week, 1047 Games released Splitgate 2, a highly anticipated “Halo with portals” sequel, which was initially celebrated with a reveal of a new battle royale mode at Summer Game Fest. However, instead of a triumphant launch, the game has been overshadowed by a series of controversies, leading to mixed reviews on Steam, disappointed fans, and a divided community.

The ‘Make FPS Great Again’ Hat Sparks Outrage

The first incident occurred during the game’s big reveal at Summer Game Fest, when game director Ian Proulx appeared on stage wearing a hat emblazoned with the phrase “Make FPS Great Again.” This drew immediate criticism due to its resemblance to the politically charged “Make America Great Again” hats associated with former President Donald Trump, which carry significant political connotations. Many viewers felt the symbol was inappropriate for a gaming event, especially amidst ongoing political tensions.

Proulx explained that the hat was meant as a joke and a statement about the state of first-person shooters, not as a political message. He mentioned that similar meme-inspired hats, like Hideo Kojima’s “Make TV Great Again,” had been around for months without controversy. His intention was to express frustration over the stagnation in the FPS genre, not to endorse any political ideology.

Addressing Community Concerns

After the incident, Proulx acknowledged that the symbol could be misinterpreted and stated that the team was not trying to send a political message. He emphasized their focus on creating a great game and fostering a positive community environment. When asked about how fans and community members who were distressed by the hat might feel, Proulx reaffirmed that their primary goal was to move forward and listen to feedback.

Initially, Proulx publicly stood by his statement, asserting he had no regrets and was speaking his truth. However, shortly after, he posted a heartfelt apology acknowledging the damage caused and expressing regret for the division it created within the community.

Controversy Over Call of Duty Remarks and Public Statements

Another point of contention arose from Proulx’s comments about the shooter genre during his Summer Game Fest speech. He stated, “I grew up playing Halo. And I’m tired of playing the same Call of Duty every year, and I wish we could have Titanfall 3.” Many fans and industry peers criticized this remark for disparaging a major franchise while promoting Splitgate 2, which features similar gameplay elements, including a free-to-play battle royale mode announced at the event.

Proulx later addressed the backlash, admitting that the studio’s response to a Twitter critic—an inflammatory comment comparing Splitgate to Call of Duty—was inappropriate. He clarified that he was not responsible for the deleted tweet and expressed regret for the remark, emphasizing that it was not representative of his or the company’s stance.

Despite this, Proulx maintained that his comments about Call of Duty stemmed from nostalgia for the “good old days” of the franchise, citing titles like Call of Duty 4 and Modern Warfare 2 as benchmarks for innovation and organic gameplay. He expressed hope that future installments would push the genre forward again.

The Microtransactions Debacle

The launch also revealed issues with in-game monetization. Splitgate 2 is free-to-play but features microtransactions, including a controversial bundle priced at $145—discounted to $80 at launch. Fans quickly expressed outrage over the excessive pricing, prompting the developers to slash the bundle price to $40 almost immediately, along with reducing other in-game costs.

In a subsequent video, Proulx apologized for the pricing misstep, explaining that he only became aware of the high-priced bundle after the Summer Game Fest presentation. He attributed the initial pricing to an aggressive former head of monetization, who came from the Call of Duty franchise, and admitted that prices had been even higher before being lowered after his departure. Proulx acknowledged that some mistakes slipped through during this process.

Responsibility and Future Plans

Proulx took responsibility for the pricing error, stating he was focused on launching the game and handling server issues during that period. He assured players that such expensive bundles would not be offered again and that refunds were being processed for affected customers. His overarching goal is to rebuild trust by listening to the community and prioritizing player feedback.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

When asked if these incidents would influence his future behavior, Proulx reflected on the importance of understanding the impact of small actions, especially given the platform’s reach. He acknowledged that the controversial symbols and comments had unintended consequences and expressed a commitment to more thoughtful communication moving forward.

Despite the setbacks, Proulx believes the controversies have not significantly harmed Splitgate 2 as a game. He emphasized that many successful games have endured similar issues and that the key to future success lies in responding to community feedback and improving the game.

Ultimately, Proulx expressed a desire to focus on creating fun, engaging experiences without further political or controversial distractions, aiming to build a supportive and vibrant gaming community.

Alex Hunter

Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.