Splitgate 2 Director Sorry for Controversial Summer Game Fest Moment

Splitgate 2's game director Ian Proulx has extended an apology for causing division within the gaming community following his contentious appearance at the Summer Game Fest. Proulx sparked backlash when he wore a "Make FPS Great Again" hat, reminiscent of previous political slogans, during his onstage announcement criticizing the yearly releases of popular FPS titles like Call of Duty. While he stated that the idea behind the hat was not intended to be political but rather to express a desire for change within the FPS genre, he recognized the negative impact it had on the community and expressed regret for the controversy. This incident follows heated debates regarding a pricey cosmetic bundle that the studio reduced in response to fan feedback.

The controversy stemmed from Proulx wearing a "Make FPS Great Again" hat, which many perceived as offensive and politically charged. His comments about wanting to improve the FPS genre alongside the hat drew mixed reactions, prompting him to later apologize for the division it caused within the gaming community.

As a sequel to the popular free-to-play shooter Splitgate, Splitgate 2 is expected to innovate within the competitive FPS landscape. The original game gained popularity by blending portal mechanics with traditional FPS gameplay, offering a unique experience. The recent controversies highlight the challenges indie studios face in gaining visibility while navigating public perceptions and community sentiment.