Last Updated on Oct 27, 2025 @ 10:24:57 AM.
Summer Game Fest has been and gone, and yet, everyone is still talking about it, but for this year, for the wrong reasons. The premium gaming showcase was last weekend, and came with numerous reveals, gameplay, and cinematic trailers, shocks and surprises, but everything (maybe except the Resident Evil 9: Requiem reveal) is getting trumped by Ian Proulx’s unique method of marketing Splitgate 2.
Taking to the stage to announce a new, unique mode in the game, but did it in the most controversial manner. Wearing a MAGA-inspired hat saying ‘Make FPS great again’, followed by a comment seemingly attacking the Call of Duty yearly releases:
“Now, with the help of our great community, we have developed Splitgate 2. Why? Because I grew up with Halo and I am tired of playing the same Call of Duty every year, and I wish we had Titanfall 3.”
While the comment about annual Call of Duty releases is something that many would echo, and do every year, it was perceived by many in the industry as a low blow, and in a time of great worry for many developers, big and small, not something that was necessary. Since then, Proulx has been on something of a PR cleanup, atoning for his mistakes and attempting to make the masses understand his and his team’s thinking behind that decision. Now, he took some time to speak to us about the very big elephant in the room.
| EDITOR’S NOTE |
|---|
| Due to this being a written interview, some answers have been edited for clarity/brevity, without removing intent and context. |
Splitgate 2’s Ian Proulx Gets Candid
There seems to be a large portion of people unhappy that you’ve ‘taken a swipe’ at other developers with your comments on stage at SGF. Was that the intention? If not, what was?
Our intention was simply to express our frustration with the state of FPS. We took a swipe at Call of Duty, the game, at SGF, not their developers. We know Call of Duty is filled with talented and great people, some of whom we have hired and many of whom are our friends. We mean no disrespect to them.
To those saying they’re staying away, or not trying out Splitgate 2 or its new battle royale mode, thanks to those comments, what do you want to say to them?
We hope you will reconsider. With Splitgate 2 and 1047, you are going to get authentic devs who listen, not devs who read a script their PR trained publishers tell them to read. Also, the game is insanely fun and unlike anything on the market. There are very few arena shooters in this day and age, and our battle Royale is unlike anything out there with the way it connects multiple worlds through massive 100-foot-tall portals.
Was it just meant to be a joke that has been taken out of context?
Yes.
With hindsight, would you have done/said the same things?
I stand by my intent and overall message that the state of FPS is stale, needs innovation, and isn’t what it used to be, but yes, I would have done things differently.
Whose idea was it? The hat, jokes, etc.
It was the result of lots of brainstorming from a number of people with various crazy ideas.
Why did you choose Halo 3, out of all the Halos, as the comparison for gunplay?
When it comes to gunplay, my favorite Halo games are Halo 2 and Halo 3. That’s what I grew up playing, and it’s what got me into gaming! The quote in the beta trailer specifically says Halo 3 because that is the quote Aztecross said.
Can we rely on you to spearhead the Titanfall 3 campaign for us?
Hahaha, I’m down.
Since sending the initial questions above, Ian released a video on Twitter addressing the concerns of the Splitgate 2 community, developers in the industry, and gamers who had yet to try the game. The following questions were sent with that statement in mind, and to add more context to the above.
What prompted the statement?
I’m not sure which specific statement this is referring to. But we are always going to be 100% genuine and true to ourselves.
Has Splitgate 2 seen an uptick in the player base since it has definitely ‘cut through the noise?
Yes, our player base tripled. We are seeing substantial growth on all platforms, but especially on Xbox and PlayStation.
Given the opportunity, would you follow the same route and idea to get into the public eye?
I did not expect this level of controversy. I would have tried to do something bold, but less controversial.
Has this controversy at all affected the plan or direction of the game?
No, it hasn’t, but it is a good reminder for us to double down on being community first and prove to the community that we listen and act on their feedback.
Cancel culture is such a massive part of society these days, rightly or wrongly, but do you worry about the game, company, or yourself being ‘cancelled’ for what seemed to be a throwaway joke and a sarcastic comment on the state of FPS games?
Haha, I mean I certainly don’t like reading mean things on the internet! But no, I think these things just take time. We have a great game and an even better team. We will continue to show the world why this game is worth investing time in. Not just because it’s fun, but because it’s made by authentic and passionate devs who listen.
While the discussion around whether the comments/actions at Summer Game Fest were in bad taste, or harmed the reputation of Splitgate 2 and 1047 Games will live on, one thing is certain – the player base has responded to the marketing stunt, and they definitely ‘cut through the noise’.
Both with us and other releases since the event, it does seem like Ian Proulx is genuinely apologetic and simply didn’t think through his actions before doing them, and time will tell whether it was the right or wrong idea long term.
What do you think about the debacle? Has it been blown out of proportion, or was it in bad taste? Let us know in the comments!
For more Thumb Wars Gaming coverage, check out our article talking about this iconic franchise easter egg in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, or the recent trailer for Total Chaos, an upcoming horror game that will make horror veterans squirm.
Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!
