Ubisoft has announced that its multiplayer shooter game, XDefiant, will be shutting down by June 2025, according to multiple sources familiar with the internal discussions. This decision was revealed during an all-hands meeting held by the company, where it was stated that dwindling player numbers and insufficient spending from the player base were the primary reasons for the game’s impending closure.
The closure of XDefiant is expected to have significant repercussions for Ubisoft’s San Francisco studio and its supporting teams, with layoffs anticipated for approximately 170 to 180 employees. Some staff members have already begun receiving severance information, and further layoffs are scheduled for February as the San Francisco and Osaka offices prepare to close their doors.
Season 3 of XDefiant will be the final complete season for the game, after which a minimal team will continue to maintain the title until its shutdown in June 2025. Ubisoft has indicated that they will provide updates regarding refunds for cosmetic items and other purchases made by players in the near future.
XDefiant faced challenges shortly after its initial launch, struggling with player engagement and spending. Reports from August 2024 suggested that despite a promising start, the game was on borrowed time due to these ongoing issues. Employees within the studio expressed frustrations towards leadership, claiming that a lack of accountability for the project’s shortcomings contributed to its downfall. Concerns regarding the studio’s culture were also raised, with previous investigations reportedly failing to address the root problems effectively.
In a recent update, Mark Rubin, a key figure associated with XDefiant, confirmed the game’s closure, reiterating the company’s commitment to transparency with both current and former employees. Ubisoft’s handling of the situation has drawn criticism and has raised questions about the company’s overall direction.
The news of XDefiant’s shutdown has sparked discussions within the gaming community, with many players and industry observers sharing their thoughts on social media platforms. Some players have called for full refunds for their in-game purchases, while others have expressed broader concerns about Ubisoft’s management and the future of their gaming franchises.
As Ubisoft prepares for the closure of XDefiant, the company faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its operational practices and employee treatment. The gaming industry continues to watch closely as more details emerge about the situation, including any potential implications for other Ubisoft projects and studios.
For those interested in the latest developments within the gaming world, including updates on Ubisoft’s other titles and industry news, subscribing to relevant newsletters and following industry insiders can provide timely information and insights.
