Ubisoft Announces XDefiant Server Shutdown in June 2025
Ubisoft has revealed plans to sunset its free-to-play shooter, XDefiant, with servers ceasing operation on June 3, 2025. The shutdown process begins December 3, 2024, halting new player registrations, downloads, and in-game purchases. Ubisoft will issue refunds for eligible purchases.
Refund Details:
Full refunds will be provided for Ultimate Founders Packs. Refunds for in-game currency (VC) and DLC purchased since November 3, 2024, are also guaranteed. Processing may take up to eight weeks, with refunds expected by January 28, 2025. Contact Ubisoft for assistance if a refund isn't received by this date. Note that standard and Elite Founders Packs are not eligible for refunds.
Reasons for Shutdown:
Ubisoft's Chief Studios and Portfolio Officer, Marie-Sophie Waubert, cited the game's failure to meet player retention goals within the competitive free-to-play market. Despite an initial positive response, XDefiant couldn't sustain a player base sufficient to justify continued investment.
Impact on the Development Team:
Approximately half of XDefiant's team will transition to other roles within Ubisoft. However, the San Francisco and Osaka studios will close, and the Sydney studio will downsize, resulting in significant job losses (143 in San Francisco and 134 anticipated in Osaka and Sydney). This follows previous layoffs in August 2024 affecting 45 employees across US studios and 33 in Toronto. Ubisoft is providing severance packages and career assistance.
Positive Reflections and Season 3:
Despite the shutdown, XDefiant Executive Producer Mark Rubin highlighted the positive player-developer interactions and thanked the community for their support. Season 3 will still launch as planned, though details remain scarce. Previous plans indicated new factions, weapons, maps, and game modes, potentially including Assassin's Creed content. However, access to Season 3 will be limited to players who acquired the game before December 3, 2024.
Prior Reports and Market Competition:
Insider Gaming reported on August 29, 2024, that low player counts were contributing to XDefiant's struggles. While initially denied, the shutdown announcement confirms these concerns. The release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 between XDefiant's Seasons 2 and 3 likely impacted player interest.
