1047 Games announces spiritual successor to Titanfall called Empulse

At a glance:

• 1047 Games, developer of Splitgate, is working on a spiritual successor to Titanfall called Empulse
• The game features movement mechanics like grappling hooks, wall running, and boost pads, plus mechs with shields and missile launchers
• Empulse is in pre-alpha development with no release date announced yet

The Next Chapter in Movement Shooters

1047 Games, the studio behind the popular arena shooter Splitgate, has officially announced its next major project: Empulse. While not a direct sequel to Titanfall, the upcoming game is being positioned as a spiritual successor to Respawn Entertainment's beloved franchise. This comes as welcome news for fans who were disappointed when Electronic Arts canceled an unannounced Titanfall game in April 2025. The announcement was first reported by Insider Gaming, which also revealed the game's title after viewing pre-alpha gameplay footage.

The development of Empulse represents an interesting pivot for 1047 Games, which built its reputation on the success of Splitgate. While Splitgate focused on arena-style combat with portal mechanics, Empulse appears to be shifting toward the fast-paced, movement-based gameplay that defined Titanfall. This strategic move could help the studio differentiate itself in an increasingly crowded shooter market while tapping into a dedicated fanbase hungry for more mobility-focused combat experiences.

Movement Mechanics and Gameplay Features

According to Insider Gaming's report, Empulse will incorporate several signature movement mechanics that made Titanfall stand out from other shooters. The game will feature grappling hooks, wall running, and boost pads, all designed to create a fast-paced, vertical combat experience. These mechanics will likely form the core gameplay loop, encouraging players to master movement as much as aiming and strategy. The pre-alpha footage reportedly showcased these mechanics in action, though it's unclear how they'll be balanced for competitive play.

Team Deathmatch will be one of the initial game modes available at launch, according to the report. This classic shooter format will serve as a foundation for testing and refining the movement mechanics before more complex modes are introduced. The focus on a core game mode suggests that 1047 Games is prioritizing polished gameplay over a wide array of features at this early stage of development, a sensible approach for a studio transitioning from arena combat to open movement-based warfare.

The Mech Factor

One of the most anticipated features of Empulse appears to be the inclusion of mechs, a signature element of the Titanfall franchise. According to Insider Gaming, players will be able to pilot giant mechs spread throughout the maps. The pre-alpha footage reportedly showed a mech equipped with a shield and missile launcher, suggesting that these vehicles will play a significant tactical role in combat. The inclusion of mechs could create interesting dynamic between infantry players and mech pilots, potentially adding another layer of strategy to the game.

The mech implementation in Empulse will be closely watched by fans of the Titanfall series, as Respawn Entertainment's approach to these powerful units was a key part of that franchise's identity. While the exact mechanics of mech deployment and combat remain unclear, their presence in Empulse suggests that 1047 Games is consciously drawing inspiration from Titanfall's most beloved features. Whether mechs will be limited-time power-ups like in Titanfall or persistent elements of the game environment remains to be seen.

Development Status and Timeline

As of the latest report, Empulse is still in the pre-alpha stage of development, meaning that the game is in very early form and not yet representative of the final product. No release date or window has been announced, which is typical for a game that has only just been revealed to the public. The pre-alpha status also explains why there has been no official teaser or gameplay trailer released by 1047 Games, though the studio may choose to share more details as development progresses.

The development timeline for Empulse is likely to be influenced by 1047 Games' experience with Splitgate. The studio successfully launched and maintained Splitgate for several years, implementing regular updates and new content. This experience suggests that 1047 Games understands the importance of community engagement during development, which could mean more frequent updates and potentially early access opportunities for Empulse as the game moves closer to completion.

The Context: Titanfall's Legacy

The announcement of Empulse comes against the backdrop of Titanfall's enduring popularity and the disappointment of fans when EA canceled an unannounced Titanfall game in April 2025. Titanfall, developed by Respawn Entertainment, was praised for its innovative movement mechanics and seamless integration of infantry and mech combat. Despite critical acclaim, the franchise never achieved the commercial success of some other shooters, leading to a hiatus in new entries.

The cancellation of the unannounced Titanfall game in 2025 left a void in the movement shooter genre that many fans hoped would be filled. Empulse appears positioned to fill that void, offering similar mechanics and gameplay philosophy while being developed by a studio that has proven its ability to create compelling multiplayer experiences. The spiritual successor relationship between Titanfall and Empulse could give 1047 Games a built-in audience while allowing the studio to innovate within the established framework.

What's Next for 1047 Games

With Empulse now officially revealed, all eyes will be on 1047 Games to see how the development progresses. The studio has established a reputation for listening to community feedback, as demonstrated by the evolution of Splitgate, and this approach will likely continue with Empulse. Players can expect regular updates about the game's development, though the studio may remain tight-lipped about specific features until they're closer to completion.

The success of Empulse could have significant implications for 1047 Games and the broader shooter genre. If the game captures the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of Titanfall while introducing fresh ideas, it could establish the studio as a major player in the industry. Conversely, if Empulse fails to deliver on the high expectations set by its spiritual predecessor, it could represent a missed opportunity for both the studio and the movement shooter genre. Regardless of the outcome, the coming years will be crucial for Empulse and the team at 1047 Games.