Splitgate 2 will be cross-generation compatible, benefiting PC players.
Splitgate 2 will continue to include players from PS4 and Xbox One, as this choice has been made to improve performance on PC.
Amid the avalanche of trailers presented at the recent Game Awards, Splitgate 2 had its moment to shine. This sequel to the popular shooter showcased a clip that highlighted its portal-based action and hinted at a new game mode. However, one important detail may have gone unnoticed: the game will not only be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, but it will also be released on PS4 and Xbox One, a decision that is becoming increasingly unusual in this generation of consoles.
Following the Game Awards, the CEO of 1047 Games, Ian Proulx, shared his perspective on the new trailer. During the conversation, they discussed various topics, from what they learned in the first beta of the game to expectations for the new mode. Proulx emphasized the complexities of developing a game that works across multiple console generations. Despite the natural tendency to focus solely on the latest technology, he stressed that this approach also benefits PC players.
Compared to its predecessor, Splitgate 2 represents a much more ambitious production. Proulx mentioned that the new title features five times more content and offers polished graphics that resemble a AAA experience. Since the beginning of its development, 1047 Games found itself at a crossroads regarding the launch platforms, as the game could fall into a middle ground in the current generation of consoles. “That was a hot topic two years ago. I’ll tell you that many artists didn’t want to work on the last generation,” Proulx commented. The decision to include last-gen consoles was driven both by the desire for a broader player base and the importance of social interaction among players.
Proulx argues that as long as the percentage of active users on PS4 or Xbox One remains significant, it is worth launching the game on those platforms. A critical element of this decision also relates to the experience of PC players. The team's goal is for game optimization to allow even those with limited hardware to experience 60 frames per second. To achieve this, the team is willing to make certain sacrifices in terms of graphics.
The discussion about visual quality was also present, as the team compared different lighting solutions. They concluded that it wasn't always necessary to prioritize the most advanced graphics if it meant compromising game performance. Proulx, who uses a PC with an older graphics card, ensured that the commitment to the player experience of Splitgate takes precedence over the desire to showcase elaborate graphics.
While there is still work to be done before the release of Splitgate 2, scheduled for 2025, alpha and beta tests have been conducted to improve elements such as elimination time and portal control. The team is working to ensure that the maps include more surfaces suitable for portal usage, offering players a variety of strategic options.
The addition of a new game mode, which has garnered interest from the community, is anticipated. Proulx shared that it will be a massive multiplayer mode with three teams of eight players, the largest they have created so far.
Splitgate 2 is set to launch in 2025 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.