xDefiant, Ubisoft's F2P Shooter, Shutters As Studios Close and Downsize

Ubisoft's free-to-play shooter, XDefiant, is facing closure. Server shutdown is scheduled for June 2025. This article details the unexpected announcement and its impact on players.

XDefiant Server Shutdown: June 2025

The "Sunset" Begins

Ubisoft confirmed XDefiant servers will cease operation on June 3, 2025. The shutdown process, starting December 3, 2024, will prevent new players from accessing the game or purchasing DLC. Refunds for in-game purchases are underway.

Ubisoft states: "Full refunds will be issued for Ultimate Founders Pack purchases. Refunds will also be provided for VC and DLC purchases made since November 3, 2024. Processing may take up to 8 weeks." Players should receive refunds by January 28, 2025. Contact Ubisoft for assistance if a refund is not received by this date. Note that only the Ultimate Founder’s Pack is eligible for a refund.

Reasons Behind the Closure

Marie-Sophie Waubert, Ubisoft's Chief Studios and Portfolio Officer, explained that XDefiant failed to achieve the player base needed for sustainability within the competitive free-to-play market. The game fell short of expectations, making further investment unsustainable.

Team Transitions and Studio Impacts

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 approximately 134 in Osaka and Sydney combined). This follows previous layoffs in August 2024 affecting 45 employees across American studios and 33 in Toronto. Ubisoft is providing severance packages and career support to affected employees.

A Positive Reflection

Despite a strong initial launch (5 million users shortly after its May 21, 2024 release and 15 million total players), XDefiant's long-term performance didn't meet Ubisoft's financial targets. Executive Producer Mark Rubin acknowledged the challenges of the free-to-play market and the ultimately unsustainable trajectory. He expressed gratitude for the community and highlighted the positive player-developer interactions.

Season 3 Launch Despite Shutdown

Despite the closure, Season 3 will launch as planned. While details are limited, speculation points towards Assassin's Creed themed content. A previously released Year 1 Roadmap, since removed, hinted at new factions, weapons, maps, and game modes. However, access to Season 3 will be limited to players who acquired the game before December 3, 2024.

Early Reports and the COD Factor

Insider Gaming reported declining player numbers in August 2024, a claim initially denied by Rubin. The subsequent shutdown announcement contradicts this earlier denial. The release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 between Seasons 2 and 3 likely contributed to XDefiant's declining player base. Ultimately, Ubisoft decided to end development.