1047 Games CEO Apologized for His Hat

Drama

11 June 2025 11:36

Ian Proulx, CEO of 1047 Games, has issued a public apology after drawing criticism for wearing a “Make FPS Great Again” hat during the Splitgate 2 panel at this year’s Summer Game Fest.

The hat, a clear play on a well-known political slogan, caught the attention of viewers and attendees, sparking mixed reactions across the gaming community. In a video posted to the official Splitgate 2 X account, Proulx addressed the controversy directly, clarifying his intent and expressing regret over the unintended impact.

Proulx explained the decision behind the hat was part of a marketing strategy intended to draw attention to Splitgate 2, which recently emerged from beta. “It was supposed to be a meme that would help get more eyes to the title,” he said. Citing the challenges faced by independent developers in breaking through crowded spaces like The Game Awards, where he noted Splitgate’s trailer had been “lost amongst 50 others,” Proulx said he felt the need to do “something big” to ensure visibility.

More:Apple Games Announced

“It wasn’t our intention to be taken in a political manner,” he continued, acknowledging that the slogan’s resemblance to political rhetoric would inevitably “raise eyebrows and bring controversy.” He emphasized the goal was to use the meme format to make a bold statement about the current state of the FPS genre.

According to Proulx, the message was intended to be taken at face value. “We genuinely want to improve the FPS genre and feel it is in a bad state,” he said. However, he also recognized the broader implications of the gesture. “It’s not just about intent; it’s about impact, too, and this move has created a negative impact for which I am truly sorry.”

Tags: 1047 Games

Share:

Sources:

Report mistake Submit news

Related news

View All

EMPULSE System Requirements: 1047 Games' New Movement Shooter

EMPULSE is a fast-paced 6v6 movement shooter from 1047 Games, the studio behind Splitgate, built around mechanics like wall-runs, grapple...

More

Jun 15, 2026

1047 Games Announces Lay offs

1047 Games, the developer behind the Splitgate series, has revealed an undisclosed number of layoffs as part of a strategic...

Business

Jun 23, 2025

Fnatic's Sale Talks Mark the End of Founder-Owned Esports

One of the oldest org's in the industry and sale talks. The industry is definetely shifting, the high valuations and...

Drama

Jun 15, 2026

Xbox Is Rethinking What a Console Even Is, by Necessity

What even is a console? This ongoing RAM shortage is forcing the console producers to find new avenues. Helix is...

Drama

Jun 11, 2026

Black Ops 1 and 2 Listings Appear on PlayStation Servers

Black Ops 1 and 2 might be returning, an unexpected but a welcome return. New PS4 and PS5 listings for...

Drama

Jun 09, 2026

1047 Games CEO Apologized for His Hat

Drama

11 June 2025 11:36

Tags: 1047 Games

Ian Proulx, CEO of 1047 Games, has issued a public apology after drawing criticism for wearing a “Make FPS Great Again” hat during the Splitgate 2 panel at this year’s Summer Game Fest.

The hat, a clear play on a well-known political slogan, caught the attention of viewers and attendees, sparking mixed reactions across the gaming community. In a video posted to the official Splitgate 2 X account, Proulx addressed the controversy directly, clarifying his intent and expressing regret over the unintended impact.

Proulx explained the decision behind the hat was part of a marketing strategy intended to draw attention to Splitgate 2, which recently emerged from beta. “It was supposed to be a meme that would help get more eyes to the title,” he said. Citing the challenges faced by independent developers in breaking through crowded spaces like The Game Awards, where he noted Splitgate’s trailer had been “lost amongst 50 others,” Proulx said he felt the need to do “something big” to ensure visibility.

More:Apple Games Announced

“It wasn’t our intention to be taken in a political manner,” he continued, acknowledging that the slogan’s resemblance to political rhetoric would inevitably “raise eyebrows and bring controversy.” He emphasized the goal was to use the meme format to make a bold statement about the current state of the FPS genre.

According to Proulx, the message was intended to be taken at face value. “We genuinely want to improve the FPS genre and feel it is in a bad state,” he said. However, he also recognized the broader implications of the gesture. “It’s not just about intent; it’s about impact, too, and this move has created a negative impact for which I am truly sorry.”

Share:

Sources:

Report mistake Submit news