Splitgate is 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. Splitgate is 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 like Quake and the Halo franchise. The latter's next big release, Halo Infinite, is set to arrive in the same window as Splitgate, 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. Halo revolutionized the mainstream shooter with its host of different game modes and approach to gameplay. The tight but simultaneously floaty feel of Halo's movement seems to have inspired the general feel of Splitgate, and is on full display when players are seen leaping and jet-packing across its various stages. Splitgate seems to embrace a classic approach to its gameplay, which further fuels the parallels between it and the incipient Halo Infinite. But the more broad scope of Splitgate's release could be the determining factor in its success.
Splitgate's Wider Reach is Marginal, but Critical Against Halo Infinite
The two game's settings and general aesthetics are certainly similar, which is likely a sign of Halo's impact on shooters as a whole, but Splitgate's one advantage is simple. While a conceptually small advantage over Halo Infinite, the fact that Splitgate will 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. Splitgate coming to Sony platforms with cross-play is 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 in Halo Infinite's success. There's a big number of fans that have been enjoying the multiplayer aspect of Halo since the beginning, so the next phase of that experience is exciting. This is also where Splitgate's cross-platform nature becomes a big strength. As Splitgate's popularity surges, being able to share that experience with friends across platforms is crucial.
Splitgate being 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 a game that's becoming as popular as Splitgate, sidestepping that pitfall could be huge.
The other obvious difference between the two releases is that Splitgate will be free-to-play when it launches. That being said, Halo Infinite will 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 with Splitgate. Overall, focusing on the broader market means that Splitgate should be able to carve out its own niche despite Halo Infinite.
Splitgate leaves Early Access in August on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.