Splitgateis a sci-fi arena shooter that’s currently in early access with plans to release across all the major platforms excluding Nintendo Switch. The game has been rising in popularity online due to some Twitch exposure and more players getting their hands on the game.Splitgateis rife with different modes that run the gamut of classic game types like Capture the Flag and wears its stylized sci-fi shooter inspiration on its sleeve. The game has drawn some obvious comparisons to games likeQuakeand theHalofranchise. The latter’s next big release,Halo Infinite, is set to arrive in the same window asSplitgate, sparking debate about whether the bigger name in shooters will pull players away from the fledgling franchise.
It’s important to note that the comparisons between the two titles are more than fair.Halorevolutionized the mainstream shooter with its host of different game modes and approach to gameplay. The tight but simultaneously floaty feel ofHalo’smovement seems to have inspired the general feel ofSplitgate, and is on full display when players are seen leaping and jet-packing across its various stages.Splitgateseems to embrace a classic approach to its gameplay, which further fuels the parallels between it and the incipientHalo Infinite. But the more broad scope ofSplitgate’s release could be the determining factor in its success.
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The two game’s settings and general aesthetics are certainly similar, which is likely a sign ofHalo’s impact on shooters as a whole, butSplitgate’sone advantage is simple. While a conceptually small advantage overHalo Infinite, the fact thatSplitgatewill release on Sony’s platforms is practically huge. The market for quality first-person shooters is markedly smaller on the PlayStation than on PC or Xbox. PC specifically has long been the premier way for players to engage in the frenetic competition that FPS titles can offer.Splitgatecoming to Sony platforms with cross-playis a big deal because of that.
A big part of what makes competitive shooters so engaging to so many players is the satisfying sensation of grouping up with friends and dominating in a game. This, along with the continuation of its story, is going to be a factor inHalo Infinite’s success. There’s a big number of fans that have been enjoying the multiplayer aspect ofHalosince the beginning, so the next phase of that experience is exciting. This is also whereSplitgate’s cross-platform nature becomes a big strength. AsSplitgate’spopularity surges, being able to share that experience with friends across platforms is crucial.
Splitgatebeing cross-play means that groups of friends can join together without any member of the group having to sink a chunk of money into new hardware. This has long been an issue that fans have come into. As a new console generation dawns, teammates may switch to a different company’s machine and then get locked out of multiplayer with their friends. And with agame that’s becoming as popular asSplitgate, sidestepping that pitfall could be huge.
The other obvious difference between the two releases is thatSplitgatewill be free-to-play when it launches. That being said,Halo Infinitewill be available day one on Xbox Game Pass. Many fans will be excited to jump back into Master Chief’s boots, but a considerable number of others will likely be engaged withSplitgate. Overall, focusing on the broader market means thatSplitgateshould be able to carve out its own niche despiteHalo Infinite.
Splitgateleaves Early Access in August on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
