Splitgate 2: Rocky Beta, Map Revolution & Last-Minute Launch Hype

Splitgate 2’s open beta launched May 22 with a disaster: login crashes, missing cosmetics, and progression bugs forced developer 1047 Games to shut down servers within hours. CEO Ian Proulx publicly apologized, calling it "a decade of work stumbling at the start". Yet the studio’s transparency—compensating players with free Battle Pass tiers and faster fixes—won back trust. By early June, concurrent players surged 200% as cross-play stability improved across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

The Lab’s Map-Making Revolution

The beta’s saving grace was The Lab, a Halo Forge-inspired map editor allowing real-time co-creation for 16 players. Users instantly crafted intricate arenas like Eclipse (a neon-drenched vertical battleground) and Simulation-style maps for the fan-favorite Takedown mode. Key innovations:

• Prefab Assets: Drag-and-drop geometry, SSL map objects, and dynamic props.
• Portal Mechanics: Test portals on any surface during building.
• Community Spotlight: Top maps feature in official playlists, with creators earning "Splitgate MVP" roles.

New Maps, Weapons & Esports Buzz

Beyond creator tools, beta content expanded:

• Arena Maps: Stadium (a reimagined classic with death pits) and Venus-based Core challenged portal strategies.
• Onslaught Mode: 24-player battles on floating islands (Fracture) and desert canyons (Drought).
• Borealis Rifle: A charge-up energy carbine melting shields with aurora-like tracers.
• Esports insiders praised the streamlined portal controls (now one-button) for competitive potential, though balancing issues linger.

Launch Delay & The "One Surprise"

Originally slated for June 6, Splitgate 2’s launch shifted to June 13 after beta feedback demanded polish. The delay fuels speculation about 1047’s teased "one surprise," hinted as a Discord SDK integration for in-game social features or a battle royale prototype.

Verdict: Portal Chaos, Refined

Despite early stumbles, Splitgate 2’s beta proved its ambition: merging Halo’s combat with Portal’s mind-bending mobility while empowering creators. If the full launch stabilizes servers and delivers its "surprise," 1047 Games might just resurrect the arena shooter.