Why Splitgate 2 could be the next big esports game of 2025

Splitgate 2 is already looking like one of the most anticipated games of 2025, and for good reason. A free-to-play first-person arena shooter developed by 1047 Games, Splitgate 2 is the sequel to the original game, released in 2019. In teams, you can create portals within maps to try to win the match. It’s essentially Halo’s gunplay mixed with Portal’s mechanics.

The sequel has long been anticipated, ever since 1047 Games announced it was discontinuing work on Splitgate to work on the new title in 2022. Announced in July 2024 with an open beta that was made available on May 22 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC players, the reception has been great so far. As the first Splitgate was seemingly left to fester, some people felt its potential was squandered. Fans hope that the sequel can learn from the first game and mark a strong entry into the esports scene. With this in mind, here’s why Splitgate 2 could be one of the biggest esports games of the year once it officially launches.

Splitgate 2 is built on Unreal Engine 5, where players on opposing teams can each place portals around the maps to strategically use them to outsmart opponents and win matches.

Released as an open beta on May 22, Splitgate 2 lets players choose new character classes, launch a portal with just one button this time, a new power weapon called the ‘Borealis’, a charged-up carbine rifle, a map editor, and much more. So far, player reception has been very positive on several social media platforms, with some praising the improved gameplay and calling it ‘Halo with Portals’, but others cite that the wall running and shooting settings could benefit from some refinements.

Splitgate 2’s unique fundamentals could set it apart if it manages to feature at several esports events across 2026 once it officially launches. With the portal feature now reduced to a single button-press, it could ramp up the tension as viewers watch several matches online, putting players’ reflexes and tactics to the test in every match. In an ever-saturated market where you’ll see a first-person-shooter at every esports event worldwide, a polished, fun sequel that could feature tournaments, developer-backed leagues, new content every month, and more, could give Splitgate 2 an edge in the category and set it apart from popular esports games like Call of Duty: Warzone and VALORANT.

Content creators often showcase new titles that could impact the esports scene. Splitgate 2 is a great candidate to benefit from that, and perhaps 1047 Games could reach out to some of these and offer exclusive access to what’s coming up.

With the open beta in full swing, don’t expect Splitgate 2 to debut at esports tournaments anytime soon. A big reason for developers releasing a beta is to see how certain aspects of a game work with players and how feedback could shape it in the future. With Splitgate 2 already receiving a good reception, it has a chance to make its mark in several esports tournaments in 2026 if developer 1047 Games gets it right over the coming months.

The first Splitgate was somewhat of a dilemma, with it being an early access game since its 2019 launch, right up until 1047 Games discontinued the game in 2022 to work on Splitgate 2 completely. There were just two seasons released between August 2021 to September 2022, featuring new maps, new game modes like ‘Capture the Flag’, and more. Although there were plenty of positive reviews from the press and fans alike, a lack of content outside of these two season passes hindered Splitgate, and it stagnated due to a lack of regular updates.

For Splitgate 2, it would benefit 1047 Games if they published a roadmap as soon as the sequel comes out of open beta, along with milestones of the major features coming up. This way, fans would be reassured that the developer is fully invested in the sequel, committing to future updates for the long term.

Suppose this were to happen, and Splitgate 2 carried on its enthusiastic response from users since the launch of the open beta. In that case, we’d expect to see 1047 Games announce a dedicated tournament, followed by the game featuring at several global esports events. It’s worth mentioning that there’s already a community tournament for the sequel this month, so it’s looking promising as a new entry for the esports scene. If 1047 Games delivers on its commitment within the first two years of Splitgate 2’s launch, it could be a huge success, if 1047 Games sticks the landing as it heads toward release.

Splitgate 2 isn’t the first free-to-play shooter with a gameplay gimmick, and it won’t be the last. However, from seeing players’ early reactions to the open beta, it may have a better chance than others to become one of the biggest esports games in the coming months.

1047 Games has clearly learnt plenty of lessons from developing the first Splitgate, with new weapons, a simplified method to launch a portal, and more to use in the sequel. If the momentum manages to carry on and there’s a concrete plan for Splitgate 2 once it’s out of beta, we’d be surprised if we didn’t see the title at several esports events soon.