MultiVersus players are expressing widespread discontent following the announcement of the game’s imminent shutdown. The platform fighter, which brought together a massive crossover of Warner Bros. properties in a Super Smash Bros.-inspired brawler, had a tumultuous journey from its highly anticipated reveal to a rocky early access launch in 2022. After being taken offline for a year, the game fully launched last year, only to now face an abrupt end.
Warner Bros. Confirms MultiVersus Shutdown
On January 31, Warner Bros. officially announced that MultiVersus will be shutting down within the coming months, marking an unexpectedly short lifespan for the live-service fighter. The game’s servers are set to go offline on May 30 at 12 PM EST, following the conclusion of its fifth competitive season. While monetary purchases have already been halted, Warner Bros. confirmed that players will still be able to access offline modes post-shutdown. Additionally, MultiVersus will be delisted from online storefronts on the same date, further limiting accessibility.
Founder’s Pack Buyers Demand Refunds
One of the biggest points of contention among players is the fate of the game’s Founder’s Pack, which many purchased under the assumption of a long-term investment. Players have voiced frustration that they did not have sufficient time to fully utilize the in-game currency and perks included in these premium packs. The Founder’s Pass granted buyers 30 character tokens, but with MultiVersus featuring 35 characters—only 11 of which were freely obtainable—many are left with unused, now-worthless tokens. As a result, players are demanding partial refunds or compensation for unredeemed character unlocks.
A Financially Struggling Title
Despite a promising start, MultiVersus quickly lost momentum following its 2024 full launch. Reports indicate that the game has been operating at a significant loss, with Warner Bros. Games reporting a staggering $200 million deficit as of November. MultiVersus alone is said to have cost the company upwards of $100 million due to its underperformance, leading to Warner Bros.’ decision to cut its losses and shut down the game entirely.
Adding to the controversy, MultiVersus was nominated for Best Fighting Game at The Game Awards 2024, making its sudden demise even more surprising. The decision to close the game, despite its critical recognition, raises concerns about Warner Bros.’ long-term commitment to live-service games.
A Pattern of Struggles for Warner Bros. Games
MultiVersus’ shutdown is yet another blow to Warner Bros. Games, which has faced a difficult year. The studio’s previous major release, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, was met with harsh criticism and lackluster sales, leading to layoffs across multiple departments, including QA staff, artists, and programmers. The failure of these live-service games raises questions about the studio’s future direction and its ability to sustain multiplayer-driven experiences.
With the end of MultiVersus looming, many players are left disappointed by the collapse of what was once considered a promising competitor in the fighting game genre. The shutdown serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with live-service games and the volatility of the industry when financial expectations are not met.
