After teasing new development projects back in March, 1047 Games has finally pulled back the curtain on its next venture. The studio behind the cult classic Splitgate has officially announced Empulse, a "fast-paced 6v6 movement shooter" that aims to capture the high-octane energy fans have come to expect from their previous titles.

What is Empulse?

While the title might catch some eyes, the gameplay mechanics described in the Steam listing suggest a heavy emphasis on kinetic combat. According to the developers, movement serves as the absolute core of every engagement in Empulse. Players will navigate the world using a variety of traversal tools designed to maintain a constant "flowstate."

The game features several specific movement mechanics:

  • Wallrunning both forwards and backwards.
  • Grappling hooks for rapid swinging.
  • Holojumps for verticality and repositioning.
  • P.A.I.N.T. bombs used to alter surfaces for tactical advantages.

While these mechanics sound familiar to Splitgate veterans, the addition of surface-altering bombs suggests a layer of environmental manipulation that could differentiate this new IP from its predecessor.

Mechs and Tactical Twists

One of the most significant departures from 1047 Games' previous work is the introduction of player-controlled mechs. These massive units feature heavy weaponry, unique abilities, and significantly larger health pools than standard infantry.

Rather than being permanent fixtures, these mechs appear to spawn into the match for players to hijack. This mechanic introduces a new layer of objective-based gameplay that feels reminiscent of high-stakes combat in titles like Titanfall or Highguard, where controlling a massive asset can completely shift the momentum of a round.

The Future of 1047 Games

The stakes are incredibly high for this new movement shooter. While the original Splitgate: Arena Warfare was an unexpected success, the transition to its successor—now known as Splitgate: Arena Reloaded—has been a more turbulent journey. Although Steam reviews have seen some improvement following the relaunch, the game has struggled to recapture the massive player base of the original.

Empulse represents a fresh start for the studio. We will likely see more concrete details regarding the gameplay loop and the mystery of the P.A.I.N.T. bombs in the coming months.

Empulse is scheduled to enter early access later this year. Interested players can currently sign up for access via the official website at playempulse.com.