Splitgate Arena Reloaded insists ‘Steam Charts don’t measure fun’ as FPS struggles with PC numbers

Splitgate Arena Reloaded’s developer 1047 Games has defended the shooter’s subdued PC launch, arguing that Steam player counts fail to reflect enjoyment, community engagement, or the game’s long-term ambitions.

Splitgate Arena Reloaded developer 1047 Games has pushed back against concerns over the shooter’s modest PC debut, arguing that player enjoyment can’t be boiled down to a single metric on Steam.

The arena-shooter launched on December 17, 2025 as a reworked relaunch of what was previously known as Splitgate 2, following a troubled beta period that saw the project pulled back into development and staff layoffs at the studio.

The reset came with a new name, a renewed focus on classic arena gameplay, and a promise that the game had been “rebuilt from the ground up”.

That context has sharpened scrutiny of its early number, and on Steam, Splitgate Arena Reloaded peaked at just over 2,200 concurrent players at launch before settling to around 1,000 in the weeks that followed – figures that look small next to major free-to-play shooters.

Console player counts have not been disclosed.

In a statement responding to the attention, 1047 Games said that “Steam Charts don’t measure fun”, stressing that the figures represent “one number, on one platform, at one given moment”.

The studio argued that charts on Valve’s platform fail to capture how the game feels to play or the role of its active community in shaping what Arena Reloaded becomes next, including future modes such as Arena Royale.

The developer also reiterated its long-term commitment, saying the team rebuilt Splitgate because it believes in the game and its players.

To help rebuild momentum, 1047 Games has leaned into community-driven initiatives, including a $5,000 creator tournament, a $25,000 community challenge, and in-game events designed to tempt lapsed fans back.

For now, Splitgate Arena Reloaded remains free to play, with the studio urging sceptics to try it themselves rather than judge it solely by the charts.