French publishing giant Ubisoft has announced the closure of its free-to-play shooter, XDefiant. In a recent blog post, Marie-Sophie de Waubert, the chief studios and portfolio officer, conveyed the unfortunate news, explaining that the game struggled to attract and retain a sufficient player base to remain viable.
Impact on Workforce
This decision affects nearly 300 employees, with 143 positions impacted in San Francisco and an additional 134 in Ubisoft’s Osaka and Sydney offices. De Waubert expressed her gratitude to the departing team members, stating, “To those team members leaving Ubisoft, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your work and contributions. Please know that we are committed to supporting you during this transition.”
Future Directions
Despite this setback, Ubisoft remains steadfast in its commitment to developing games-as-a-service experiences, which continue to be a cornerstone of its strategy. The company has enjoyed notable successes with titles such as Rainbow Six, The Crew, and For Honor. De Waubert acknowledged the competitive nature of the market, emphasizing that the lessons learned from XDefiant will inform the development of future live titles.
Commitment to Growth
Ubisoft is determined to implement necessary measures to steer the company back toward growth, innovation, and creativity. This includes a commitment to evolving their production and business practices, with plans to share more details in the near future. De Waubert reassured employees, stating, “I know that the situation brings questions and expectations, and we will share regular and transparent updates.”
Her message concluded with an expression of gratitude for the team’s dedication during these challenging times, reinforcing the company’s resolve to navigate this transition together.
Interestingly, this announcement comes shortly after Ubisoft had insisted in October that XDefiant would not be closing down in the near future, highlighting the rapidly changing dynamics within the gaming industry.