Ubisoft Announces Shutdown of XDefiant, Studio Layoffs Expected

Ubisoft has announced plans to shut down XDefiant in June 2025, following poor player numbers and low revenue from in-game purchases. The news was shared during an internal all-hands meeting and has been confirmed by sources close to the situation.

Impact on Development Studios

The shutdown will lead to significant layoffs, with Ubisoft San Francisco and Osaka studios expected to close their doors entirely. Around 170-180 employees will reportedly lose their positions, with the first wave of layoffs already underway and a second wave planned for February 2025.

End of Support for XDefiant

Season 3 will be the final full season of XDefiant, and a small team will continue to maintain the game until its servers go offline in June 2025. Ubisoft has stated it will provide information on refunds for cosmetic purchases and other in-game content in the coming months.

Mark Rubin's Statement

Mark Rubin, an executive involved with XDefiant, addressed the news with a heartfelt message to fans and the team, acknowledging the challenges faced by the project and expressing gratitude for the community’s support.

This marks a disappointing end for XDefiant, which struggled to maintain momentum after its initial release. The decision reflects Ubisoft's ongoing efforts to restructure and focus resources on more successful franchises and projects. Further updates on the refund process and other closure details are expected in the near future.