San Francisco, California – Ubisoft announced on Tuesday the discontinuation of XDefiant in 2025, ceasing all new purchases and registrations with immediate effect. The decision to shut down the game will also result in the closure of Ubisoft’s production studios in San Francisco and Osaka, as well as a downsizing of operations in Sydney. This move will impact up to 277 employees, with approximately half of the XDefiant team being reassigned to other roles within the company.
The company’s Chief Studios and Portfolio Officer, Marie-Sophie de Waubert, conveyed the news to Ubisoft employees through an email that was later made public online. De Waubert explained that despite an initial positive reception and dedicated fan base, XDefiant struggled to attract and retain enough players in the competitive free-to-play FPS market. The game’s inability to meet the company’s performance expectations led to the decision to discontinue it.
For XDefiant players, the company announced that new downloads, player registrations, and purchases would no longer be available starting immediately. Season 3 will still launch, with servers remaining active until June 3, 2025, as a gesture of appreciation for the game’s development teams and active player community. Refunds will be provided to those who made purchases within the last 30 days and to those who purchased the Ultimate Founder’s Pack.
Executive Producer Mark Rubin expressed his disappointment over the decision to shut down XDefiant, acknowledging the hard work and passion put into the game by the development team. Despite achieving significant milestones, including attracting over 15 million players, XDefiant’s journey in the free-to-play market proved to be unsustainable, leading to its closure.
The closure of XDefiant reflects the challenges faced by Ubisoft in 2024, including lower-than-expected sales for major releases and other setbacks. The decision to discontinue the game comes amidst a broader trend in the gaming industry, where developers of all sizes have grappled with abrupt shutdowns and layoffs. Ubisoft remains committed to evolving its approach to game development and ensuring the success of its future live titles.
As the industry continues to navigate these challenges, XDefiant serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication between developers and players. The game’s emphasis on fostering a positive community and engaging with players in a non-toxic manner has left a lasting impact on how the gaming industry interacts with its audiences. The closure of XDefiant, while disappointing, underscores the evolving landscape of the gaming industry and the need for adaptability and innovation.