I usually don’t dive into daily player counts, but given the recent stir from the developer of a certain struggling title, it feels like a conversation we can’t ignore.
Remember Splitgate 2? It was released last year and quickly became a tough chapter for everyone involved after a string of unfortunate events. The studio’s CEO made headlines at the Summer Game Fest for wearing a “Make FPS Great Again” hat, which later led to an apology while trying to excite fans about the game’s 1.0 launch.
1047 Games Responds to Recent Steam Charts Conversations pic.twitter.com/ir9W0BjFHo
— SPLITGATE: Arena Reloaded (@Splitgate) January 6, 2026
Shortly after, on July 22, the studio announced that they were rolling Splitgate 2 back to beta after some tough layoffs, taking the game offline so the remaining team could pour their energy into rebuilding it.
Recently, after re-launching on December 17 as Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, the vibe hasn’t improved much. According to Steam Charts, the game peaked with just over 2,200 players and has since dipped to under 1,000 consistently logging in.
In response, 1047 Games fired off a statement saying, “Steam Charts don’t measure fun.” While I get that perspective, the game’s history doesn’t paint a rosy picture. Still, the studio is determined to push forward.
The statement continued, “Steam charts show one number, on one platform, at one moment. They don’t provide the full experience of playing, and they don’t reflect the community helping shape Arena Reloaded (like the upcoming Arena Royale). Over the past six months, we’ve rebuilt Splitgate from the ground up because we believe in the game and our community.”
Interestingly, I hadn’t been aware of much buzz surrounding the game’s player count. Then again, I hadn’t spotted any chatter about Splitgate since last month, so perhaps the statement did its job in drawing some eyes.
When Splitgate 2 launched in June, it hit peaks of over 25,000 players on Steam. While I can agree that discussions around player counts can feel a bit excessive, it’s tough to stay hopeful for this game’s future.
I genuinely wish the team luck in attracting the players and revenue necessary to keep things afloat.
Why do developers say ‘Steam charts don’t measure fun’?
Developers argue that Steam charts only reflect a single moment, failing to capture the player’s true enjoyment and community engagement.
What were the initial player counts for Splitgate?
At its launch, Splitgate 2 saw peak player counts exceeding 25,000 on Steam, driven by its strong marketing and community buzz.
How has player engagement changed after the re-launch?
After the re-launch of Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, player engagement has drastically declined, with numbers dropping to under 1,000 active players consistently.
What is 1047 Games doing to improve player experience?
They’re actively rebuilding the game based on community feedback, focusing on new content and features like Arena Royale to enhance player engagement.
How can I stay updated on Splitgate’s progress?
Follow their social media accounts and check gaming news platforms for updates on new features and community events.
Have you played Splitgate recently? How do you feel about its player engagement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!