1047 Games Unveils EMPULSE: A New Era for Movement Shooters

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – May 20, 2024 – 1047 Games, the innovative studio behind the breakout hit Splitgate, has officially announced its next ambitious EMPULSE. Set to launch in Early Access in 2026, EMPULSE is poised to redefine the competitive first-person shooter landscape with its high-octane, six-versus-six movement-centric gameplay. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, promising a multi-platform experience for a broad audience of FPS enthusiasts. This announcement marks a significant new chapter for the developer, signaling a continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of the shooter genre.

Main Facts

A New Contender Emerges

EMPULSE emerges as a highly anticipated entry from a studio renowned for its unique gameplay mechanics. 1047 Games, having captivated millions with the portal-based combat of Splitgate, now aims to build upon that legacy with a fresh intellectual property that emphasizes unparalleled player mobility and strategic depth. The core promise of EMPULSE revolves around its fast-paced, 6v6 combat, where individual skill in both gunplay and movement will be paramount to success. The decision to target current-generation consoles and PC from the outset suggests a commitment to high fidelity visuals and performance, critical for a game where split-second reactions dictate outcomes. The Early Access launch in 2026 indicates a deliberate, community-driven development approach, allowing the studio to fine-tune the experience with player feedback before a full release. This strategy mirrors the successful initial trajectory of Splitgate, which benefited immensely from its open beta and iterative development cycles.

Redefining Movement-Based Shooters

At the heart of EMPULSE lies its groundbreaking movement system, articulated by 1047 Games under the mantra "Movement is Freedom." Players will navigate the "post-utopian streets of Freehold" using an arsenal of traversal mechanics designed to create fluid, dynamic engagements. Key among these are wallrunning, which uniquely allows for both forward and backward momentum along surfaces, offering unprecedented tactical flexibility. A grapple hook provides verticality and rapid repositioning, enabling players to traverse maps with exhilarating speed and surprise opponents from unexpected angles. "Holojumps" introduce another layer of vertical mobility, potentially offering strategic boosts or evasive maneuvers. Perhaps the most intriguing innovation is the introduction of "P.A.I.N.T. bombs," which are described as tools to "alter surfaces." This mechanic suggests an environmental interaction system that could dynamically change the battlefield, opening new routes, creating cover, or disrupting enemy movement. The combination of these elements is designed to allow players to "chain together movement and find your flowstate," promising a highly skilled and deeply rewarding gameplay experience where mastery of traversal is as crucial as aiming accuracy. The intricate design of Freehold’s districts, with their "surfaces, the verticality, and the routes," is clearly tailored to maximize the potential of these diverse movement capabilities, ensuring that every corner of the map is a canvas for creative and strategic play.

The Strategic Impact of Mechs

Beyond the innovative movement, EMPULSE introduces a significant strategic layer through player-controllable mechs. These powerful machines are described as spawning dynamically on the map, becoming pivotal objectives that can dramatically shift the tide of battle. Equipped with "heavy weapons, unique abilities, and a massive health pool," these mechs are not merely power-ups but mobile fortresses capable of dominating firefights. The strategic implications are profound: a team that successfully claims a mech gains a formidable advantage, capable of pushing objectives, holding crucial choke points, or turning around a losing engagement. Conversely, the introduction of mechs also creates a critical counter-play dynamic. Opposing teams will need to "rally your squad to bring one down and swing momentum back in your favor," fostering coordinated team play and strategic decision-making around these high-value targets. This objective-based mechanic adds a layer of depth that distinguishes EMPULSE from many traditional arena shooters, elevating matches beyond pure kill-death ratios to encompass larger strategic objectives and dynamic battlefield control. The interplay between agile, movement-focused infantry and lumbering, powerful mechs promises a unique tactical dance, requiring players to adapt their strategies on the fly.

Chronology

The Genesis of 1047 Games and Splitgate

The story of 1047 Games begins with a passion project that unexpectedly exploded onto the gaming scene. Founded by Ian Proulx and Nicolas Bagamian in 2017, the studio’s initial creation, Splitgate, began as a college project combining the fast-paced gunplay of Halo with the unique portal mechanics of Portal. This innovative blend quickly garnered attention, leading to the game’s initial release in Early Access on PC in 2019. Splitgate‘s true breakthrough, however, came with its console beta launch in July 2021. The game surged in popularity, attracting millions of players and drawing comparisons to established giants like Halo and Call of Duty, earning it the affectionate moniker "Halo killer." Its success was unprecedented for an indie studio, pushing 1047 Games to rapidly scale up its operations to meet the overwhelming demand. The game’s unique selling proposition – the ability to create portals to outmaneuver and outgun opponents – resonated deeply with players seeking a fresh take on the arena shooter formula. Splitgate‘s success, while exhilarating, also presented significant challenges for the young studio. The rapid growth necessitated constant server upgrades, bug fixes, and the development of new content to retain its burgeoning player base. Despite its innovative gameplay and dedicated community, Splitgate faced an increasingly competitive market dominated by well-funded, established franchises. In September 2022, 1047 Games made the difficult but strategic decision to cease new feature development for Splitgate, announcing that they would instead focus their resources on a new, unannounced project. This pivotal moment marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, allowing the studio to leverage their newfound experience and resources to craft a successor that could build upon the lessons learned.

From Portals to P.A.I.N.T. Bombs: The Birth of EMPULSE

The transition from Splitgate to EMPULSE represents a calculated evolution for 1047 Games. Rather than attempting to continually iterate on the Splitgate formula, which carried with it the technical debt and design constraints of its initial development, the studio opted for a fresh start with a new intellectual property. This decision likely allowed the developers greater creative freedom, potentially leveraging newer engine technologies or design philosophies without being tethered to previous architectural choices. The official announcement of EMPULSE on May 20, 2024, signals the culmination of nearly two years of dedicated development since the pivot from Splitgate. While specific details regarding the game’s engine or early development phases remain under wraps, the core mechanics described – wallrunning, grapple hooks, Holojumps, and P.A.I.N.T. bombs – suggest a deliberate move to differentiate EMPULSE from its predecessor while retaining the studio’s signature emphasis on dynamic player movement. The choice of a 6v6 format, as opposed to Splitgate‘s often smaller team sizes, hints at a desire for larger-scale engagements and more complex team strategies. The planned Early Access launch in 2026 provides a substantial window for further development and refinement, demonstrating 1047 Games’ commitment to a polished and community-validated product. This timeline also allows the studio to strategically position EMPULSE within the competitive release schedule, aiming to capitalize on a potentially less crowded period or to generate significant buzz through prolonged beta testing. The journey from the innovative portals of Splitgate to the surface-altering P.A.I.N.T. bombs of EMPULSE showcases a studio unafraid to innovate and evolve, constantly seeking new ways to engage players in the fast-paced world of first-person shooters.

Supporting Data

The Competitive Landscape of FPS

EMPULSE is entering an incredibly saturated and highly competitive market. The first-person shooter genre is dominated by titans like Call of Duty, which consistently delivers annual iterations, and free-to-play powerhouses such as Apex Legends, Valorant, and Overwatch 2. Each of these titles commands massive player bases and robust esports scenes, setting a high bar for content delivery, server stability, and competitive balance. The sub-genre of "movement shooters," while not new (with classics like Quake and modern benchmarks like Titanfall 2), has seen a resurgence in popularity, largely propelled by Apex Legends‘ fluid traversal and gunplay. EMPULSE aims to carve out its niche within this challenging environment by combining the proven appeal of fast-paced arena combat with a truly distinctive suite of movement mechanics and the dynamic strategic layer of player-controlled mechs. Its success will hinge not only on the novelty of its mechanics but also on its ability to offer a consistently polished, engaging, and fair competitive experience that can stand toe-to-toe with its well-established rivals. The absence of a traditional hero system, as found in games like Apex Legends or Overwatch 2, might also differentiate EMPULSE, potentially focusing more on pure gun skill and environmental mastery rather than character abilities.

Technical Ambition and Visuals

While specific technical details regarding EMPULSE‘s engine or graphical enhancements have not been explicitly detailed, the targeting of PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC strongly implies a significant leap in visual fidelity and technical ambition compared to Splitgate. Modern console hardware, combined with high-end PCs, allows for incredibly detailed environments, advanced lighting, and complex particle effects—all crucial for immersing players in the "post-utopian streets of Freehold." The described dynamic nature of the environments, particularly with the P.A.I.N.T. bombs altering surfaces, suggests a robust engine capable of real-time environmental manipulation. For a fast-paced 6v6 shooter, paramount technical considerations include ultra-low latency netcode, precise hit registration, and stable server performance at high tick rates. Any compromise in these areas can severely impact the competitive integrity and player experience. The visual style, as hinted by the initial screenshots linked in the announcement, will be critical in establishing EMPULSE‘s identity. A vibrant, distinct art direction can help the game stand out from the often-gritty realism of many military shooters, aligning with its "post-utopian" theme. The official website, playempulse.com, and the gallery of initial screenshots serve as crucial supporting data, offering players a first glimpse into the game’s aesthetic and the scale of its ambition, providing tangible evidence of the developer’s vision.

The Early Access Model: A Strategic Choice

The decision to launch EMPULSE in Early Access in 2026 is a strategic move, reflecting 1047 Games’ prior experience and understanding of community-driven development. The Early Access model offers several key benefits: it allows the studio to secure early funding, iteratively develop the game based on direct player feedback, and build a dedicated community organically. For a competitive multiplayer title, this feedback loop is invaluable for balancing weapons, fine-tuning movement mechanics, and identifying unforeseen exploits or design flaws. Splitgate‘s initial success was heavily influenced by its open beta, which provided critical data and community engagement that shaped its development. However, the Early Access model also carries inherent risks. Players may perceive the game as unfinished, leading to negative early reviews if expectations are not managed properly. The competitive landscape can shift rapidly, and a prolonged Early Access period might see other titles capture attention. Furthermore, balancing community desires with a cohesive creative vision can be challenging. 1047 Games will need to carefully navigate these waters, ensuring transparent communication with its player base and delivering consistent updates that demonstrate tangible progress. Their experience with Splitgate‘s post-launch development and eventual pivot will undoubtedly inform their strategy for EMPULSE, aiming to leverage the benefits of Early Access while mitigating its potential pitfalls.

Official Responses

1047 Games’ Vision and Philosophy

The overview provided by 1047 Games serves as the primary official statement regarding EMPULSE‘s core vision and philosophy. The "About" section succinctly positions EMPULSE as a "fast-paced six-versus-six movement shooter," immediately establishing its genre and scale. The mention of "outmove and outgun your opponents across the post-utopian streets of Freehold" encapsulates the dual emphasis on both precise shooting and fluid traversal within a distinct environmental setting. The detailed description under "Movement is Freedom" further elaborates on the studio’s design intent, highlighting that "movement is at the core of every fight." This is not just a feature but a fundamental design pillar. The specific inclusion of mechanics like "wallrun forwards and backwards," "swing with a grapple hook," "launch off Holojumps," and "alter surfaces with P.A.I.N.T. bombs" directly communicates the developer’s commitment to creating a highly dynamic and interactive movement system. The emphasis on achieving "flowstate" through chained movement suggests a high skill ceiling and a deeply rewarding experience for players who master the traversal mechanics. Furthermore, the "Claim the Mech. Control the Fight." section clarifies the strategic role of mechs, stating they are "armed with heavy weapons, unique abilities, and a massive health pool." This indicates a deliberate design choice to make mechs powerful but balanced objectives, reinforcing the idea that tactical decision-making around these assets is as important as individual combat prowess. These official descriptions paint a picture of a game designed for both individual skill expression and coordinated team play, set against a backdrop that actively encourages creative movement.

Learning from Splitgate‘s Legacy

While 1047 Games has not yet offered direct statements on how EMPULSE specifically incorporates lessons from Splitgate, their past experiences provide a strong inference. The studio’s journey with Splitgate offered invaluable insights into building and maintaining a live-service competitive game. Key lessons likely include the critical importance of robust anti-cheat systems, responsive server infrastructure, and transparent communication with the community. Splitgate‘s unique portal mechanic, while innovative, also presented significant balancing challenges; for EMPULSE, the studio will need to carefully balance its diverse movement toolkit and mech integration to ensure competitive integrity without overwhelming new players. The pivot from Splitgate to EMPULSE itself suggests a lesson learned: that sometimes a fresh start with a new IP, potentially on a more modern technical foundation, can be more beneficial than continually iterating on an existing, rapidly scaled project. This allows for the implementation of new ideas and a broader appeal without the constraints of legacy code or established expectations. The developers are likely focused on creating a sustainable content pipeline and a clear roadmap for post-launch support, an area where many live-service games, including Splitgate, face continuous challenges.

Community Engagement and the Road to Early Access

Leading up to and during the Early Access period, 1047 Games is expected to prioritize robust community engagement, a strategy that proved vital for Splitgate‘s initial success. This will likely involve a multi-pronged approach: regular developer diaries or video updates detailing progress, early alpha or beta tests for selected community members, and active participation on platforms like Discord and Reddit to gather feedback. The official website and Steam page will serve as central hubs for information, allowing players to track development and express their interest. Given the 2026 Early Access target, a significant period of pre-release hype building, potentially including gameplay reveals, developer interviews, and community Q&As, is anticipated. The studio’s experience with Splitgate has undoubtedly taught them the importance of fostering a passionate community and responding effectively to player feedback to shape the game’s direction. The Early Access phase itself will be a crucial period of co-development, where players become integral to the game’s evolution, offering insights into weapon balance, map design, and the overall feel of the movement system.

Implications

Impact on the Competitive FPS Scene

The introduction of EMPULSE could have a significant impact on the competitive FPS scene, particularly if it successfully delivers on its promise of innovative movement and strategic depth. Its unique blend of wallrunning, grappling, and environmental interaction, combined with player-controlled mechs, creates a distinct gameplay loop that differentiates it from current market leaders. If EMPULSE can cultivate a high skill ceiling, it has the potential to attract a dedicated competitive player base and perhaps even foster an esports ecosystem. The emphasis on "flowstate" through movement suggests a game where mastery could be visually spectacular, making it appealing for viewership. However, its success will depend on striking a delicate balance between accessibility for new players and depth for veterans. Overly complex mechanics can deter new players, while a lack of depth can quickly lead to player attrition. Should EMPULSE find its footing, it could challenge the established order, pushing other developers to innovate further in the movement shooter space and creating a more diverse and exciting competitive landscape for players.

The Future Trajectory of 1047 Games

EMPULSE represents a pivotal moment for 1047 Games. Having established themselves with Splitgate as an innovative studio capable of creating a breakout hit, EMPULSE is their opportunity to prove they are not a one-hit wonder. The success of this title will largely determine the studio’s future trajectory, influencing its ability to attract talent, secure further funding, and pursue even more ambitious projects. A successful launch and sustained growth for EMPULSE would solidify 1047 Games’ reputation as a leading innovator in the FPS genre, potentially allowing them to expand their portfolio and explore other game types. Conversely, if EMPULSE struggles to gain traction or live up to expectations, it could pose significant challenges for the studio, making it harder to replicate the rapid success of Splitgate. This title is a critical test of their ability to leverage past experiences, adapt to market demands, and execute a new vision effectively. It’s a bold step forward, signaling their ambition to evolve from a single-game studio into a multi-project developer with a lasting impact on the industry.

Player Expectations and the Promise of Innovation

Players approaching EMPULSE will carry certain expectations, largely shaped by 1047 Games’ work on Splitgate. They will anticipate a game that feels fresh, innovative, and highly polished, especially given the developer’s reputation for unique mechanics. The promise of "Movement is Freedom" and "Claim the Mech. Control the Fight." sets a high bar for innovation, suggesting a gameplay experience unlike anything currently available. However, players will also expect a stable and fair competitive environment, robust anti-cheat measures, and consistent post-launch support. The Early Access model, while offering a chance for community involvement, also places a burden on the developers to continually deliver meaningful updates and manage player expectations regarding the game’s unfinished state. The challenge for 1047 Games will be to translate their ambitious vision into a tangible, fun, and sustainable game that not only meets but exceeds these high expectations. If successful, EMPULSE has the potential to be a defining title, offering players a truly innovative and exhilarating take on the movement shooter genre and reinforcing 1047 Games’ position at the forefront of creative game development.