Layoffs Hit Splitgate Dev 1047 Games After Empulse Launch

Entity Definition: 1047 Games and Empulse

1047 Games is the independent studio behind the free-to-play multiplayer shooter Splitgate, which combines portal-based movement with arena combat. The company launched its next title, Empulse, in early 2025. Less than one month after that release, the studio announced additional staff layoffs, raising questions about the future of both Splitgate and the developer itself.

According to a report by Rock Paper Shotgun, the layoffs affect an undisclosed number of employees and follow a previous round of cuts in 2023. The studio has not publicly stated the exact headcount reduction, but the timing—within 30 days of Empulse's launch—has drawn scrutiny from the gaming community.

Key Facts

What Happened at 1047 Games?

Less than a month after launching Empulse, 1047 Games laid off an unspecified number of staff, according to a report by Rock Paper Shotgun. The studio had previously reduced its workforce in 2023. The exact number of employees affected in the latest round has not been confirmed by the company.

A spokesperson for 1047 Games told Rock Paper Shotgun:

"We have made the difficult decision to reduce our team size to ensure the long-term sustainability of the studio. This was not a decision we made lightly."

1047 Games laid off additional staff less than one month after the launch of Empulse, following a previous round of cuts in 2023.

How Does This Affect Splitgate?

The layoffs at 1047 Games raise concerns about ongoing support for Splitgate, the studio's flagship free-to-play shooter. The game still maintains a player base, but reduced staffing may slow content updates, bug fixes, and server maintenance. The studio has not issued a formal statement regarding Splitgate's future roadmap.

According to the Rock Paper Shotgun report, the layoffs come as the studio shifts focus toward Empulse, though the exact impact on Splitgate remains unclear. Community managers have not posted updates on the game's official channels since the layoff news broke.

The future of Splitgate is uncertain after 1047 Games reduced its workforce for the second time in two years.

What Is Empulse?

Empulse is a new multiplayer game developed by 1047 Games, launched in early 2025. It is described as a competitive shooter that builds on the portal mechanics of Splitgate but introduces new movement systems and game modes. The title was intended to expand the studio's portfolio beyond its debut hit.

No sales or player count figures for Empulse have been publicly released. The layoffs occurring so soon after launch suggest the game may not have met internal revenue or engagement targets, though the studio has not confirmed this.

Empulse launched less than a month before 1047 Games announced additional layoffs, with no official performance data disclosed.

Who Is This For?

This situation is relevant for fans of Splitgate and Empulse, investors in independent game studios, and industry analysts tracking layoff trends in the gaming sector. It also concerns developers and publishers evaluating the risks of launching new IPs while maintaining live-service titles.

For players, the key question is whether 1047 Games can continue to support both games with a reduced team. The studio has not provided a timeline for future updates or patches.

Common Questions

Why are layoffs happening at 1047 Games?

The studio has not given a specific reason, but the layoffs follow the launch of Empulse and a previous reduction in 2023. Industry observers speculate that the new title may have underperformed commercially, though 1047 Games has not confirmed this.

Will Splitgate continue to be supported?

1047 Games has not issued a statement about Splitgate's future. The game remains playable, but with a smaller team, content updates and server maintenance may slow down. No official shutdown has been announced.

What is the future of 1047 Games?

The studio's long-term viability is uncertain after two rounds of layoffs in two years. The success of Empulse and the continued player base of Splitgate will likely determine whether 1047 Games can recover or will need to restructure further.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the Rock Paper Shotgun report titled "Less than a month after launching Empulse, it looks like Splitgate dev 1047 Games are laying off more staff" (published March 2025). No additional sources were used. All facts, quotes, and figures are derived from that report. Where specific numbers (e.g., exact layoff count) are not provided in the source, that is noted as "not disclosed."

This article was last updated on March 2025.