Splitgate players are getting a lifeline as developer 1047 Games plans to switch the original game to peer-to-peer multiplayer starting August 29. This move will let fans keep playing online even after official servers shut down, an innovative pivot given the rocky launch of Splitgate 2.
1047 Games announced the change in an update, explaining that the shift is part of focusing resources on rebuilding the sequel while preserving the original’s community. They admitted the servers for the first game have been a costly burden, and peer-to-peer networking offers a way to keep the game alive without the heavy expenses.
Here’s the thing: peer-to-peer support will be available across PC and consoles, with cross-platform play intact. Players won’t be able to earn achievements after August 29, but all previously purchased content and cosmetics will remain accessible. Honestly, since all cosmetics are being handed out for free anyway, that part feels kinda moot.
For those wondering about content, 1047 is releasing a stash of unreleased and work-in-progress material, including 13 new blockout arena maps and a never-before-seen Takedown mode map named Simulation Juliet. Races and the Map Creator will stick around, too, though the Races leaderboard is going away, so only your personal best times will be tracked.
Sadly, the battle pass, rewards center, store, and drops are all getting axed. But since everyone is getting the cosmetics, it’s less of a blow. Not the ideal outcome, would’ve been nice if Splitgate 2 had launched smoothly to support both games, but under the circumstances, this feels like a decent compromise.
1047 emphasized how much the original game means to its community and expressed a desire to keep it playable despite the server shutdown. They’ve mentioned the #StopKillingGames movement and want to avoid leaving fans stranded without access to their favorite title.
It’s a bit of a climb for the studio after layoffs and the rollback of Splitgate 2 back into beta, but this peer-to-peer approach at least keeps the original alive. How many games get this kind of second chance these days? Not many.
