Ubisoft Shuts Down XDefiant in 2025 Following Years of Setbacks
Ubisoft is set to shut down its online free-to-play shooter, XDefiant, in June 2025. The news comes after a decision was made citing poor player numbers and a lack of player spending. Sources familiar with the situation report that layoffs will be impacting a significant number of employees across the San Francisco studio and supporting studios.
Season 3 will mark the final full season for the game, with a skeleton crew who will continue to maintain it until it officially closes in June 2025. Ubisoft has promised to update XDefiant players on refunds for cosmetic items and other purchases at a later date.
XDefiant appears to have struggled since its release, starting its uphill battle almost immediately after the release of Season 1. This period saw the team scrabbling to cut costs due to a lack of player spending, a situation that unfortunately persisted.
Hello XDefiant Fans,
I am unfortunately here today to announce that XDefiant will be shutting down.
Starting today (December 3, 2024), new downloads and player registrations will no longer be available. We will still release our Season 3 content in the near future (exact date…
— Mark Rubin (@PixelsofMark) December 3, 2024
In August 2024, a report heralded that "XDefiant was on borrowed time" despite initially having strong player numbers. Frustrations within the studio had always been aimed at leadership, who drew criticism for failing to take responsibility for the project’s shortcomings. This lack of accountability, according to those familiar with the situation, may have been avoided with a better studio culture.
In late March 2024, reports surfaced concerning the studio’s toxic work culture. This culminated in a formal investigation that completed last month. However, sources indicate that issues were merely swept under the rug. Problems remain prevalent, creating a disheartening environment for those involved.
The studio’s closure comes just months after Mark Rubin, who was spearheading development, issued a statement in October 2023 releasing a decade-long dubiously sought after "passion project", a new title.
This marks another setback for Ubisoft, which has recently faced various issues, including lawsuits and internal troubles.
News regarding the closure was made during a company-wide meeting. The San Francisco studio will be closed entirely this February.
While the exact number is inevident, estimates suggest between 170-180 people will lose their jobs as part of the closure, leaving many in the gaming community concerned about the future of Ubisoft games.
What measures will Ubisoft take to ensure players are compensated for their in-game purchases?
## Interview: XDefiant Shutdown Shocks Fans
**Host**: Joining us today is gaming journalist, Sarah Jones, to discuss the surprising news of Ubisoft’s decision to shut down their free-to-play shooter, XDefiant, in June 2025. Sarah, thanks for being here.
**Sarah Jones**: Thanks for having me.
**Host**: So, Ubisoft officially announced that they’re pulling the plug on XDefiant after struggling to gain traction. What are your thoughts on this decision?
**Sarah Jones**: It’s definitely a disappointing end for a game that showed some promise. While it faced criticism for its design choices and comparisons to other shooters, it had a dedicated fanbase who were hoping for its success. Reports suggest that **poor player numbers and a lack of player spending** were the driving forces behind this decision, which unfortunately echoes what many feared. [[1](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xdefiant-is-not-shutting-down-executive-producer-says-year-2-still-planned/1100-6527179/)]
**Host**: Season 3 is slated to be the final full season, with the game officially shutting down in June 2025. The news unfortunately also mentions layoffs affecting the San Francisco studio and supporting studios. How significant is this impact on Ubisoft’s workforce?
**Sarah Jones**: This news is truly devastating for the developers who poured their time and talent into XDefiant. While there’s no official number yet, sources suggest that a **”significant number” of employees** across multiple studios will be affected. It’s a tough reminder of the harsh realities of the gaming industry.
**Host**: Ubisoft has mentioned that they’ll provide updates on refunds for cosmetic items and purchases. What should players expect in the coming months?
**Sarah Jones**: It’s good to see Ubisoft taking responsibility for the situation. They’ve promised detailed information on refunds later, but players should **expect a transparent process**. They’ll likely need to outline how users can claim refunds for unused in-game currency and cosmetic items.
**Host**: Looking ahead, what lessons can we learn from XDefiant’s story?
**Sarah Jones**: For developers, it underscores the importance of **understanding the market landscape** and crafting a unique identity for your game. For gamers, it highlights the fact that even free-to-play games can face challenges, and **developing a strong community is crucial for long-term success**.
**Host**: Thank you, Sarah, for shedding light on this complex situation.
