Ubisoft has announced plans to shut down its live-service shooter, XDefiant, in June 2025. The decision was reportedly shared during an internal all-hands meeting, with sources citing poor player engagement and insufficient in-game spending as key reasons for the game’s closure.
Studio Layoffs and Closures
The game’s discontinuation will result in significant layoffs across Ubisoft’s San Francisco and Osaka studios, as well as other supporting teams. Reports indicate that 277 employees will lose their jobs, with some already receiving severance packages. A second wave of layoffs is expected in February 2025, coinciding with the full closure of these studios.
Final Season and Post-Support Plans
Season 3 will be the last complete season for XDefiant. A small team will continue to maintain the game until its shutdown in mid-2025. Ubisoft plans to provide updates to players regarding refunds for cosmetic items and other purchases in the coming months.
Struggles and Criticism Leading to the Closure
Declining Player Base and Revenue Issues
The challenges for XDefiant began soon after the release of its first season, with a sharp decline in player spending. By August 2024, reports suggested that the game was “on borrowed time” despite initially promising player numbers. Sources from within the studio attributed the game’s struggles to leadership failures, including poor decision-making and a lack of accountability.
Toxic Work Culture Allegations
The San Francisco studio faced additional challenges due to allegations of a toxic work environment. An investigation into these claims, which concluded in late 2024, reportedly failed to address the underlying issues. Employees expressed frustration over leadership’s unwillingness to implement meaningful changes.
Official Confirmation and Future Updates
Mark Rubin, a key figure in the project, has publicly confirmed the closure of XDefiant. The statement can be found on Rubin’s Twitter account here.
Both current and former Ubisoft employees are encouraged to share their experiences securely and anonymously by contacting [email protected], as further investigations into Ubisoft’s organizational challenges are ongoing.
