Warner Bros. Games has announced the imminent shutdown of its free-to-play crossover fighting game, MultiVersus, with all online play services set to cease on May 30, 2025. This decision was delivered via the company's official blog, marking the conclusion of Season 5, which will be the final seasonal content update for the game.
The announcement caught many players by surprise, especially considering MultiVersus only recently relaunched on March 2024. Set to kick off on February 4, 2025, Season 5 will introduce new characters to the roster, namely Aquaman from DC Comics and Lola Bunny from Looney Tunes. Players will have the opportunity to earn both characters simply by playing the game, as real money transactions have been halted starting today, January 31, 2025.
According to Player First Games, the developers behind MultiVersus, "We have an important update to share... the final seasonal content update for the game," highlighting their commitment to the gaming community even as services wind down.
The end of online services means players will no longer be able to engage with the game's various online features, including competitive matches and ranked play. Following the completion of Season 5 on May 30, the game will be removed from all digital storefronts, including the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store. Players who have downloaded the game prior to this date will be able to switch to offline mode, where they can still enjoy local gameplay against A.I. opponents or friends.
For players concerned about retaining their progress, it is important to log in during Season 5. Player First Games explained, "After logging in, a local save file will be automatically created connected to your PlayStation Network, Microsoft Store, Steam, or Epic Games Store account, allowing you to enjoy the game offline with all earned and purchased content moving forward." This feature will help maintain access to characters and cosmetics acquired before the server shutdown.
The decision to discontinue support for MultiVersus has been attributed to the game's underwhelming performance. According to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, "Results were impacted by games... primarily MultiVersus...the key factor in this year’s Studios profit decline." These comments came amid broader discussions of the company focusing on stronger franchises, signaling MultiVersus' inability to gain traction comparable to established titles.
When MultiVersus first entered open beta back in 2022, it sparked considerable interest as fans of platform fighters hoped for innovative developments akin to the beloved Nintendo franchise, Super Smash Bros. Initial impressions suggested great potential; MultiVersus featured iconic characters and introduced unique gameplay dynamics. Unfortunately, following its full release, player retention dwindled. An average daily player count below 1,000 on Steam highlighted the challenges the game faced from the outset.
The developers attempted to adapt after its initial struggles, but player frustration simmered as they sought changes to slow gameplay mechanics. Many players expressed dissatisfaction, with some abandoning the game shortly after launch. Even though Player First Games introduced new characters, the community's appetite for competitive depth and enhancements went largely unmet.
Despite efforts to engage players through various updates, MultiVersus simply could not reach its potential. The game's unique integration of characters from diverse franchises, including Scooby-Doo, Game of Thrones, and numerous Cartoon Network properties, was not enough to lift its performance. While several characters found their way onto multiple seasons, none seemed to invigorate the community significantly.
The closure of services for MultiVersus marks the end of its brief yet eventful lifespan. The upcoming Season 5 offers players one last chance to experience new content and enjoy the game. Online features will remain fully operational until May 30, 2025, at which point all online functionalities will conclude.
While the game will transition to offline mode, it is clear the community will miss the vibrant competitive environment once it becomes unavailable. Player First Games has expressed gratitude for the support and enthusiasm shown by gamers throughout the game’s experience, stating, "All of us on the Player First Games and Warner Bros. Games teams have poured our heart and soul...forever grateful for the incredible support of the MultiVersus community throughout this [journey]." Overall, the future looks dim for this platform fighter, but the impact of its characters and gameplay experiences will be remembered fondly by those who engaged with it.