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. Refunds for eligible purchases are underway.

Refund Information:

Full refunds will be issued for the Ultimate Founders Pack. Players who purchased in-game currency (VC) and DLCs since November 3, 2024, will also receive complete refunds. 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 the standard Founder's Pack and Founder's Pack Elite are not eligible for refunds.

Reasons for Shutdown:

Ubisoft's Chief Studios and Portfolio Officer, Marie-Sophie Waubert, cited the game's inability to maintain a player base sufficient to compete in the highly competitive free-to-play FPS market. Despite initial success and a dedicated fanbase, XDefiant fell short of sustaining the necessary player numbers to justify further investment.

Impact on Development Teams:

The shutdown results in significant restructuring within Ubisoft. Approximately half of the XDefiant team will transition to other roles within the company. However, the San Francisco and Osaka studios will close, and the Sydney studio will downsize, impacting 143 employees in San Francisco and approximately 134 in Osaka and Sydney. This follows previous layoffs in August 2024 affecting other Ubisoft studios.

A Positive Reflection:

Despite the shutdown, XDefiant's Executive Producer, Mark Rubin, highlighted the positive aspects of the game's development, emphasizing the unique and respectful player-developer relationship fostered through open communication. He expressed gratitude for the community's passion and support.

Season 3 Launch and Prior Reports:

Season 3 will still launch as planned, though details remain limited. While initially rumored to include Assassin's Creed content, this is unconfirmed. The season will only be accessible to players who acquired the game before December 3, 2024. Earlier reports from August 2024 indicated declining player numbers, a claim initially denied by Rubin but ultimately proven accurate.

The release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 between XDefiant's Season 2 and 3 likely contributed to the game's struggles to gain and retain players. Ultimately, Ubisoft made the strategic decision to cease development and operation of XDefiant.