Report: Splitgate dev 1047 games lays off staff

July 21, 2026 - 17:58

Less than a month after releasing its Titanfall-inspired shooter Empulse, the studio behind Splitgate, 1047 Games, has reportedly cut staff. The layoffs were first reported by sources familiar with the matter, though the company has not issued a formal statement regarding the number of employees affected or the specific teams involved.

Empulse launched in early February to a mixed reception, with critics praising its fast-paced movement and gunplay but noting a lack of content at launch. The game was seen as a bold pivot for 1047 Games, which built its reputation on the portal-based arena shooter Splitgate. That title enjoyed a viral surge in popularity during its beta period in 2021, drawing comparisons to classic shooters like Halo and Portal.

The layoffs come as a surprise to many in the industry, given that 1047 Games had recently expanded its team to support both Splitgate and the development of Empulse. The studio raised significant funding in 2022, including a $100 million Series B round, to fuel its growth. However, the current economic climate in gaming has led to widespread cuts across major and independent studios alike.

Employees affected by the layoffs have taken to social media to share their experiences, with some expressing shock at the timing. One former developer noted that the team had been working hard to support Empulse post-launch, making the cuts feel abrupt. 1047 Games has not yet commented on whether the layoffs will impact ongoing support for either Splitgate or Empulse.