Recently, Ian Proulx, CEO of 1047 Games, stirred things up at Summer Game Fest by wearing a “Make FPS Great Again” hat while presenting Splitgate 2. This bold move led to significant backlash on social media, and now he’s back with a heartfelt apology.
Proulx’s three-minute video, shared on Twitter/X, highlighted the intensity of breaking through as an independent studio. Reflecting on the trailer debut of Splitgate 2 at The Game Awards, which fell flat, he acknowledged the need to make a statement to gain attention.
No excuses, I’m sorry. pic.twitter.com/4dgOxrSXUJ
— Splitgate 2 (@Splitgate) June 10, 2025
However, the hat’s controversial nature overshadowed discussions about the game itself. Proulx faced criticism for a choice reminiscent of the “Make America Great Again” hat associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump. “We did not intend for this to be taken in any political way whatsoever,” he noted, emphasizing that their branding aimed to express a desire for improvement in the FPS genre, rather than spark controversy.
This is a classic case where intention often becomes secondary to perception. When a symbol is politically charged, its interpretation can veer into contentious territory. Instead of engaging the community with the exciting features of Splitgate 2, the hat became the primary topic of conversation.
“I want to apologize… the truth is, I am sorry. The reason I’m sorry is because of what this has done to the community,” Proulx stated. His commitment to fostering a strong community is evident, as he proudly founded 1047 Games to connect and unite players. The hat incident, which split opinions, turned away from his original intent of enhancing the FPS genre, prompting him to reflect on the broader impact of his actions.
The backlash led to significant discussions and reactions across social platforms. While some defended his right to express himself, others criticized him for the hat choice. This illustrates a situation where the path to acknowledgment can sometimes lead to further division.
Despite the controversy, it’s worth noting that Splitgate 2 has seen a surge in its player base, reportedly tripling since the beta phase. Though the game may not appeal to everyone, the newly introduced battle royale mode has attracted players on both PC and console.
Curiously, Splitgate 2 currently holds a “Mixed” review rating on Steam, showcasing a diverse opinion landscape that mirrors the dualities of the game’s reception.
Will players forgive Proulx and his team, allowing them to shift focus back to the game? How will this incident affect Splitgate 2 moving forward? While these questions linger, it’s clear that navigating the gaming community demands sensitivity, especially with messages that can unintentionally resonate politically.
Why did Ian Proulx apologize for wearing a controversial hat? His apology aimed to address the unintended impact on the community and reconcile any division caused by his choice.
How has the community reacted to Splitgate 2? The community is polarized, with some supporting the game and others frustrated by the hat controversy, demonstrating the complexity of player reactions.
What are the new features in Splitgate 2? The game introduces a battle royale mode, attracting new players and aiming to reinvigorate the FPS genre.
How important is community feedback for game developers? Community feedback is crucial as it influences updates and future game development, helping developers align with player expectations.
In conclusion, the unfolding story around Ian Proulx and Splitgate 2 reminds us of the importance of messaging and community in gaming. Explore more at Moyens I/O and stay connected with this evolving narrative.