Splitgate 2 Layoffs Hit Days After CEO’s MAGA Hat Apology Fiasco
The gaming world is abuzz with drama at 1047 Games, creators of the free-to-play shooter Splitgate 2, following a series of missteps, some self-inflicted. A controversial hat, a rocky launch, and now layoffs paint a picture of a studio in crisis.
Key Points:
Hat Controversy Sparks Apology: 1047 Games CEO Ian Proulx wore a “Make FPS Great Again” hat at Summer Game Fest on June 7, 2025, leading to political backlash and a June 10 apology.
Layoffs Follow Financial Strain: On June 20, the studio cut 10-15% of staff (roughly 18–27 employees) amid turmoil, while co-founders forgo salaries.
Launch Woes Amplify Crisis: Splitgate 2’s May 29 launch was marred by server issues, a controversial $80 bundle (cut to $40), and mixed player reactions.
The MAGA Hat Debacle: A Marketing Stunt Gone Wrong
Ian Proulx, CEO of 1047 Games, took the stage at Summer Game Fest on June 7, 2025, wearing a red hat emblazoned with “Make FPS Great Again.” His goal: to drum up attention for Splitgate 2 and highlight stagnation in the shooter genre.
The reaction? Instant firestorm.
The hat, widely interpreted as a riff on Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, landed poorly—especially amid anti-ICE protests happening in Los Angeles that same week. While some viewed it as a harmless marketing gag, others accused Proulx of pushing political buttons for attention.
Initially, Proulx refused to apologize, saying the hat was not a political statement and that he was simply trying to “have fun with it.” That stance didn't last. On June 10, he issued a video apology, expressing regret for the “division” caused and admitting he had “misjudged the tone.”
But that apology also drew criticism—from the opposite side. Some gamers argued there was nothing to apologize for, accusing Proulx of “bending the knee” to the outrage mob and overreacting to what they saw as harmless satire.
Looks like a lose-lose.
Layoffs Strike: A Financial Fallout
On June 20, just 10 days after the apology, 1047 Games announced layoffs, cutting 10–15% of its 184-person team—roughly 18–27 employees.
Proulx and co-founder Nicholas Bagamian revealed they would be forgoing salaries to keep the project going. According to internal memos, the studio is “locking in to deliver the next phase” of Splitgate 2 and restructuring based on player feedback.
The layoffs, while framed as strategic, were widely seen as a red flag about the game's trajectory.
Splitgate 2’s Troubled Launch: A Perfect Storm
Splitgate 2 launched in open beta on May 29, hyped as a next-gen evolution of the original fan-favorite shooter. But the debut was anything but smooth:
Server crashes plagued the opening week.
A controversial $80 cosmetic bundle drew backlash (later reduced to $40).
Reviews on Steam were mixed, with players citing bugs, balance issues, and pricing missteps.
Combine that with the hat debacle, and the game’s momentum seemed to vanish overnight. The controversy hurt more than just feelings—it potentially scared off new players and investors alike.
What’s Next for 1047 Games and Splitgate 2?
With staff cuts, executives skipping pay, and a wobbly player base, the road ahead is anything but smooth. The studio insists it's listening to the community and doubling down on its roadmap.
But reputational damage from the hat incident and launch issues has left 1047 Games scrambling to recover.
Can Splitgate 2 course-correct and find its audience—or has the FPS crowd already moved on?
Stay tuned.
Sources:
Entertainment & Gaming, “It’s more than just a hat / After courting controversy at Summer Game Fest, the head of 1047 Games apologized – but he still missed the point,” June 10, 2025
Kotaku, “Splitgate 2 studio lays off 'small group' of developers, while its co-founders aren’t taking salaries 'as we lock in to deliver the next phase' of the troubled FPS,” June 20, 2025
The Guardian, “The Maga-flavoured faux pas that shook the games industry,” June 18, 2025
GamesRadar+, “Splitgate 2 CEO apologizes again, says ‘I'm not an idiot’ and expected ‘some’ controversy,” June 10, 2025
The Gamer, “Splitgate 2's Rough Launch Leads To Layoffs And Bosses Not Taking A Salary,” June 21, 2025
PC Gamer, “‘I'm not here to apologize but I am here to clarify': Splitgate 2 boss says his Make FPS Great Again hat is 'not a political statement',” June 7, 2025
News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on June 22, 2025.