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 VC and DLC purchases made since November 3, 2024, will also be processed, with completion expected by January 28, 2025. Contact Ubisoft support for assistance beyond this date. Note that only the Ultimate Founders Pack is eligible for a refund; Founder's Pack and Founder's Pack Elite are not.

Reasons for Shutdown:

Ubisoft's Chief Studios and Portfolio Officer, Marie-Sophie Waubert, cited the game's failure to meet player retention goals in the highly competitive free-to-play FPS market as the primary reason for the shutdown. The game, despite an initial positive response, did not achieve the sustained player base required for continued investment.

Impact on XDefiant Team and Studios:

Approximately half of the XDefiant 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 at other Ubisoft studios.

A Positive Reflection:

Despite the shutdown, XDefiant Executive Producer Mark Rubin highlighted the positive aspects of the game's development and community interaction, emphasizing the respectful and open communication between players and developers. He expressed gratitude for the community's support.

Season 3 Release and Prior Reports:

Season 3 will launch as planned, though details remain limited. Previous speculation suggested Assassin's Creed-themed content. Insider Gaming's August 2024 report of low player counts and the need for Season 3 to revitalize the game was initially denied, but ultimately proved prescient. The release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 between Seasons 2 and 3 may have contributed to XDefiant's struggles.