Ubisoft’s free-to-play FPS, XDefiant, a blend of Overwatch and Counter-Strike gameplay, is shutting down after a short lifespan. Launched in May 2024, the game’s servers will remain active until June 3, 2025. The final season will still be released, and any in-game purchases made within the last 30 days will be refunded. However, the in-game shop is closing, and acquiring the game now might be difficult, according to Rock Paper Shotgun.
The closure of XDefiant has resulted in significant job losses, impacting approximately 277 employees across three Ubisoft studios. The San Francisco and Osaka studios are being shut down, while the Sydney studio faces reduced operations. This adds another blow to the gaming industry, already under scrutiny for widespread layoffs.
Ubisoft executive Marie-Sophie de Waubert explained in an official statement that 143 employees in San Francisco and 134 employees across Osaka and Sydney would be departing the company. She stated that Ubisoft is “determined to take the necessary steps to put the company back on a path to growth, innovation and creativity.” This decision follows a challenging year for Ubisoft, marked by various setbacks.
The shutdown of XDefiant not only represents the loss of another free-to-play shooter but also raises concerns about the sustainability of live-service games. The game’s failure to attract and retain a sufficient player base ultimately led to its demise, despite Ubisoft’s efforts to revitalize it. The company’s decision to shut down the game within a year of its release highlights the competitive landscape of the FPS genre and the challenges faced by developers in building successful live-service titles. While the final season will offer a last hurrah for dedicated players, the future of similar Ubisoft projects remains uncertain.
