Ubisoft to Close XDefiant, Lay Off Staff, and Issue Refunds by 2025

Ubisoft announced it will shut down its free-to-play shooter XDefiant by June 2025, leading to the closure of its San Francisco and Osaka studios and laying off nearly 300 employees. Despite initial success, the game failed to maintain a sufficient player base, prompting the decision. Players will receive refunds for certain purchases, and remaining team members will transition to other roles within Ubisoft. The company continues to focus on its games-as-a-service strategy despite recent financial challenges.