Splitgate 2 prepares its big return in December with a spectacular overhaul

Splitgate 2 is preparing its big comeback in December with a spectacular overhaul. After a launch in May 2025 that failed to convince enough players, 1047 Games decided to breathe new life into its flagship video game by completely redesigning its gameplay and modes. This comeback is marked by several major new features, aimed at attracting multiplayer FPS fans once again. Among the key points, we find:

• The closure of the beta on December 4, 2025, announcing an essential transition phase.
• A relaunch of the game later in the month with a complete overhaul of the factions and skills system.
• The return to classic mechanics inspired by arena shooters, favoring fast shooting and direct competition.
• A strategic schedule aiming to take advantage of the winter period to capture a more available audience.
• An internal studio reorganization with layoffs but above all an honest acknowledgment of past mistakes.

Throughout the sections, we will explore this spectacular overhaul from different angles: the detailed transformation of gameplay, the specific new features, the technical and strategic challenges of the December schedule, the competitive context in the FPS market, as well as the human and economic stakes for 1047 Games and its community.

A spectacular gameplay overhaul to redefine the multiplayer experience of Splitgate 2

The overhaul accompanying the Splitgate 2 comeback goes far beyond a simple update. It marks a radical change in the very design of the gameplay. After an initial launch that failed to unify players, the developers chose to remove several elements that unnecessarily complicated the experience. Notably, the competitive game reference with dynamic portals is kept, but the factions that divided the community have been removed.

This removal of factions marks a milestone in the game’s history. At the May 2025 launch, Splitgate 2 was intended to be a Hero Shooter with specific skills for each hero, an approach that proved difficult to balance and ultimately distanced the core target of classic arena shooter fans. The turnaround consists in returning to classic power-ups to collect on the battlefield, which favors dynamism and freedom of action rather than being locked into a specific role.

Consider the following precise example: in this new version called Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, the Team Deathmatch mode makes a strong return, accompanied by King of the Hill and Domination sessions, traditional modes familiar to fans of Unreal Tournament or Quake.

This signals simpler gameplay while remaining technical and demanding in terms of reflexes and portal mastery. It corresponds to a return to roots and reflects a desire to capture the essence that made the first Splitgate so popular on PC and consoles a few years ago.

The removal of factions is an essential part of this, as it limits perceived imbalances and removes a barrier often criticized by the community. It is an approach that should make the game more accessible and fairer, fostering skill progression based solely on dexterity and strategy rather than character selection.

We thus observe a clear desire to bring immediate fun with a sustained pace, supported by a map architecture clearly inspired by the great classics of competitive arenas. A bold bet, knowing that the multiplayer FPS genre is saturated, but which here seems to meet the expectations of players demanding fast-paced and easy-to-understand gameplay.

The December novelties: modes, mechanics and relaunch schedule

The final version of Splitgate 2, renamed Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, will be launched after the official beta closes on December 4, 2025. This transition window is crucial because it requires all players to start over from scratch, without any progression or accumulated cosmetic advantages. This drastic but necessary choice will avoid any form of injustice or frustration, and will equalize everyone’s chances at the true restart.

The main new features include:

• The complete removal of factions to eliminate imbalances.
• The return to classic modes like Team Deathmatch, King of the Hill, and Domination.
• The disappearance of heroic skills in favor of power-ups to collect on the field.
• A map architecture designed to promote fast gameplay, with more dynamic passages and strategic portals.

This triptych of mechanics, modes, and map overhaul offers a clear vision of the direction taken by 1047 Games. The studio chose effective simplicity, with an experience flirting with that of well-established classics, while preserving the uniqueness of the portal system that sets Splitgate apart from other FPS.

The relaunch schedule was also carefully planned to optimize chances of success. The announcement of beta servers closing on December 4 targets a period when players are generally more available. The big comeback is planned for late in the month, probably around December 17, which corresponds to a quiet period in terms of major releases, at least just before the holiday rush.

Here is a comparative overview of the relaunch phases:

Step	Date	Description
End of beta	December 4, 2025	Server closure, progression reset
Official launch (estimate)	December 17, 2025	Start of complete relaunch under the new name “Arena Reloaded”
Presence at Game Awards	End of December 2025	Announcement of additional information, potential final date or DLC

We expect communication related to this schedule to become clearer in the coming weeks. This strategy seems well thought out to capture an audience eager for novelties at a time when competition will become fiercer. The chosen moment could make a difference in terms of visibility and commercial success.

Technical challenges and multi-session difficulties at the dawn of a decisive comeback

The success of a multiplayer video game like Splitgate also relies on technical considerations often invisible to the average player but fundamental for retention. After an initial launch in May 2025 marked by some technical issues, 1047 Games cannot afford to repeat those mistakes.

Server stabilization, latency optimization, and online match management are at the heart of concerns. The scheduled beta closure on December 4 is also a sensitive moment since the server shutdown means loss of all stats, ranks, and active battle passes. This abrupt choice could worry some players, even if it is desirable for a clean reboot.

On a technical level, this overhaul will certainly require thorough integration and load testing. User feedback during the last beta phase was used to accept or reject changes, with particular attention paid to the smoothness of portals, a key technical element in Splitgate.

High technical quality of the connection is indispensable for matches to offer a competitive experience meeting expectations. Any excessive latency degrades the experience and can quickly drive away the community, especially in a fast and intense FPS where every millisecond counts.

This December comeback will thus constitute a major technical challenge for 1047 Games. The studio will have to prove its ability to ensure a solid, flawless infrastructure to regain its audience and avoid another player hemorrhage. Maintaining stable servers will probably be one of the first indicators of success or failure of the relaunch.

The competitive context: how Splitgate 2 positions itself against FPS blockbusters in December

December is traditionally a busy month for the video game industry, with several major multiplayer FPS releases. Splitgate: Arena Reloaded will have to compete with titles like Battlefield 6, Call of Duty Black Ops 7, or ARC Raiders, all supported by large marketing budgets and a broad loyal audience.

Faced with this competition, 1047 Games’ strategy relies on several strengths:

• A unique gameplay based on portals, highly appreciated for its originality despite its regained simplicity.
• A return to fundamentals that appeal to arena shooter purists, a loyal and passionate segment.
• A community ready to support the relaunch if the technical launch meets expectations, with fewer frustrations related to past abuses.
• A possible highlight at the Game Awards, enhancing the title’s visibility at a key moment.

This approach contrasts with many hero shooters on the market, often criticized for their complexity and skill proliferation. By returning to a simpler and more competitive formula, Splitgate aims to attract players tired of overloaded mechanics.

Nevertheless, convincing the general public to switch allegiances remains a challenge. The May 2025 figures show it: fewer than 211 simultaneous players on Steam prove that the first attempt was deficient. It will therefore be necessary to capitalize on this spectacular overhaul to convince gamers to give this FPS with innovative but initially poorly exploited mechanics a second chance.

Portrait of a committed studio: 1047 Games facing the human and economic stakes of this comeback

The relaunch of Splitgate 2 is not simply a technical or marketing matter. It is a true test of resilience for 1047 Games, a studio facing its mistakes while taking on a difficult choice: transparency and rebuilding from the ground up.

Beyond the challenges related to the overhaul, several layoffs have marked this period, highlighting internal tensions and the desire to refocus efforts on the essentials. This movement demonstrates 1047 Games’ willingness to reduce costs while intelligently investing in perceptible improvements demanded by the community.

The studio’s honest communication plays a key role in the regained trust of players. By clearly announcing that the game had been launched too early, then outlining the solutions, the studio sends a reassuring and professional message.

This new dynamic aims to create a healthier relationship with the community, where everyone feels heard and represented. The future of the franchise now rests on this return to fundamentals and this desire to offer an engaging and competitive experience meeting expectations.

Whatever happens, this December comeback will remain a pivotal moment, whose results could define the future career of the studio and the positioning of Splitgate in the very competitive world of multiplayer FPS.