1047 Games has ended development of both EMPULSE and Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, with dedicated servers and matchmaking for both titles shut down on September 3, 2026. The studio is pivoting away from live-service shooters after a decade, citing insufficient revenue to cover server costs, and is carrying lessons into its next project.
1047 Games spent 2026 trying to sustain two live-service shooters at once, and by late August the effort collapsed. The studio released a demo for EMPULSE on June 15, 2026, and entered early access on June 24 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The 6v6 FPS, set in the futuristic city Freehold, leaned on wall-running, grappling hooks, and a mech-boarding mechanic to stand out in a crowded early-access market. Days before the early access launch, the studio had already absorbed a third round of layoffs within a year, following earlier rounds in June and July 2025.
The pivot came on August 27, when co-founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian announced the end of development for both EMPULSE and Splitgate: Arena Reloaded. They cited insufficient revenue to cover server costs, saying self-funding is no longer sustainable. Dedicated servers and matchmaking for both titles shut down on September 3, replaced by peer-to-peer play. The studio is moving away from live-service shooters after a decade, taking the lessons into its next project.
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Aug 29
1047 Games announced on August 27 that development of both EMPULSE and Splitgate: Arena Reloaded is ending. Dedicated servers and matchmaking for both titles shut down on September 3, with peer-to-peer play replacing them. Co-founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian cited insufficient revenue to cover server costs, saying self-funding is no longer sustainable. The studio will pivot from live-service shooters after a decade, carrying lessons into its next project.
Jul 23
1047 Games, the developer behind Splitgate and EMPULSE, has conducted a third round of layoffs within a year, according to multiple LinkedIn posts from former employees. The studio previously laid off staff in June and July 2025. The number of affected employees in the latest round is unknown.
Jun 15
Developer 1047 Games released a demo for its upcoming 6v6 competitive FPS EMPULSE on PC via Steam on June 15, 2026. The game is set in a futuristic city called Freehold and emphasizes high-mobility movement including wall-running and grappling hooks across three-dimensional stages. Players can also pilot mechs that appear on the map, which are equipped with heavy weapons, unique abilities, and high HP, offering a significant combat advantage. An early access version is scheduled for June 25, during which the developers plan to make balance adjustments based on player feedback and add new modes, maps, and weapons. The development team has cited Respawn Entertainment's Titanfall series as an influence.
Jun 7
1047 Games announced during the PC Gaming Show 2026 that its new title 'EMPULSE' will begin early access on June 24, 2026. The game is a 6v6 team-based first-person shooter set in a futuristic city called Freehold. A trailer shown at the event highlighted fast movement mechanics including wall-running, grappling hooks, and the ability to board mechs. The early access launch will cover PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. A playable demo will be available during Steam Next Fest starting June 15. The announcement was made on June 8 during the PC Gaming Show 2026 broadcast.