The game director of MultiVersus, Tony Huynh, has condemned the threats of violence directed at the development team following the announcement of the game's closure. Last week, Player First Games revealed that Season 5 would be the final season, with servers shutting down this May, just a year after its relaunch. Offline access to purchased and earned content will remain via local and training modes. While in-game purchases are no longer available, Gleamium and character tokens can be used until May 30th. The game will also be delisted from major digital storefronts.
The announcement, coupled with the absence of a refund policy, sparked outrage among players, particularly those who purchased the $100 Founder's Pack, leading to accusations of being "scammed" and a wave of negative reviews on Steam.
Huynh's statement addressed these concerns while strongly condemning the threats: He expressed gratitude to Warner Bros. Games, the development teams, IP holders, and players. He acknowledged the disappointment but highlighted the team's dedication and creativity. He apologized for the delayed response, explaining his focus on supporting the team. He thanked players for their support and contributions, addressing questions regarding character selection and the development process, citing factors like development time, community feedback, IP approvals, and marketing opportunities. He emphasized the collaborative nature of Player First Games and the team's efforts to listen and respond to player feedback. He concluded by pleading for understanding and empathy, emphasizing the emotional toll the game's closure has had on the team.
Angelo Rodriguez Jr., community manager and developer, echoed Huynh's sentiments, defending him against the threats and highlighting his dedication to the game and the community.
MultiVersus' failure adds to Warner Bros. Games' recent struggles, following the poor performance of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which contributed to a $200 million loss, with MultiVersus adding another $100 million. The company's third-quarter 2024 release, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, also underperformed.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav acknowledged the underperformance of their games division and announced a renewed focus on four core franchises: Hogwarts Legacy (with a sequel in development), Mortal Kombat, Game of Thrones, and DC, particularly Batman. This strategy includes focusing development efforts on proven studios to improve success rates. While Mortal Kombat 1 has reportedly sold over five million copies, questions remain about its overall financial performance.
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