XDefiant is being shut down by Ubisoft, “despite an encouraging start”

As a seasoned gamer who has witnessed the rise and fall of many beloved titles, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia with the announcement of XDefiant’s closure. This game was a thrilling addition to the first-person shooter genre, offering an exciting blend of teamwork and competition that kept me engaged for hours on end.

After spending several years in beta phases and officially launching as a Ubisoft first-person shooter in May 2024, it has been announced that XDefiant is no longer receiving support and will eventually be closed down in June 2025. Consequently, new downloads and player registrations for the game will no longer be possible.

The long-awaited confirmation arrived on the 3rd of December 2024, straight from Ubisoft, as executive producer Mark Rubin announced: “From this day forward (December 3rd, 2024), fresh downloads and new player registrations will no longer be accessible.

I’m excited to share that we’re planning to unveil our Season 3 content soon, though the specific launch date is yet to be determined. Rest assured, our servers will continue to run strong all the way up until June 3rd, 2025.

If you’ve bought the Ultimate Founder’s Pack, rest assured that we’ll give you a complete refund. Additionally, if you made any purchases in the past 30 days, you too will receive a full refund. The refund process should be completed automatically within eight weeks from today, and for more specific information, please visit our official website at XDefiant.com.

Rubin stated: “It’s truly disheartening to compose this message. Indeed, this game has been a deeply cherished endeavor for me over the years, and I understand that not every obstacle results in triumph. However, I feel it’s important to acknowledge and express my appreciation towards all the developers who are impacted by this shutdown.

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to emphasize that each contributor behind this captivating game is an authentic individual with a unique life beyond our own. Their unwavering dedication and passion have been poured into every facet of this masterpiece, making it truly extraordinary. It is my heartfelt hope that they can take immense pride in their remarkable accomplishments.

It’s an ongoing source of pride and gratitude for me to have collaborated with such an exceptional group! A team that consistently exceeded expectations, performing beyond what might typically be expected.

Regrettably, the shutdown of the game has resulted in job losses across the industry. Specifically, both the San Francisco and Osaka studios are being closed, and the Sydney studio is undergoing significant reduction in workforce. As a result, approximately 277 positions will be made redundant.

The executive in charge of studios, Marie-Sophie de Waubert, stated, “Although our team started strong, their dedication, and our loyal fan base are commendable, we’ve struggled to draw and keep enough players over time to compete at the high level we aspire to in the intensely competitive free-to-play FPS market.

Initially, the live content for the game debuted in July, followed by another round in September. The initial plan included two additional seasons, but it has been decided that the game will conclude with Season 3 instead.

XDefiant’s shutdown presents a challenging situation for the French studio, as Star Wars Outlaws fell short of expectations and Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been postponed until February of the following year.

Already, a Change.org petition has been initiated by enthusiasts of the game in an attempt to attract Ubisoft’s notice and avoid the game’s termination. If you’re keen, feel free to sign the petition right away, and together we might be able to ensure the game continues to thrive.

As the game concludes, make sure to show your appreciation for the games you cherish by keeping an eye out for upcoming releases like Marvel Rivals and Indiana Jones. Don’t forget to support lesser-known titles from smaller developers too, once they hit the market!

Stay tuned to TopMob to keep up with all your gaming needs and more.

2024-12-04 15:43

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