Three hit games owned by 21 million fans going offline forever in weeks as players warned to ‘complete' before deadline
The third will lose all access to online services and support, but you'll still be able to access it via an offline mode.
Advertisement
5
Millions of console owners will be affected – including Xbox players
Credit: Microsoft Xbox
5
PlayStation owners will also be hit by the game closures
Credit: Sony PlayStation
Millions of players across consoles and PCs will be affected by the shutdowns, all of which are taking place in June.
And it'll affect sports games, shooters, and a hit horror title too.
GAME SERVER CLOSURE #1 – XDefiant
Shutting Down:
June 3, 2025
Ubisoft shooter XDefiant is due to shut down in a matter of weeks.
Advertisement
Read more on vanishing games
The game is currently available on Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and Windows – but not for long.
Despite launching just one year ago (May 21, 2024) – and reaching a high of 11 million players – the game is about to be killed off for good.
"Thank you for your incredible dedication and support of XDefiant, Ubisoft said.
"We regret to inform you that we are initiating the sunset process starting today, December 3rd, 2024.
Advertisement
Most read in Gaming
Review
"As a result, new downloads, player registrations and purchases will no longer be available. Season 3 will still launch, so stay tuned for more updates to come.
"The servers will remain active, and the game will be fully playable until June 3rd, 2025."
Get an inside look at the new PS5 30th anniversary edition
Ubisoft said that players who purchased the Ultimate Founders Pack will get a full refund automatically.
And if you've made any VC or DLC purchases since November 3, 2024, you'll also be fully refunded.
Advertisement
This will take about eight weeks to process.
Ubisoft admitted that the
news
would be a "disappointment", adding: "We deeply appreciate the time and passion you have invested in our community."
5
Doomed shooter XDefiant is due to go offline for good
Credit: Ubisoft
The game is due to go offline on June 3, 2025.
Advertisement
There's no offline mode, which means there won't be any way to play the game following the shutdown.
GAME SERVER CLOSURE #2 – Resident Evil Re:Verse
Shutting Down:
June 29, 2025
Resident Evil Re:Verse is also shutting down, with just over a month until closure.
The multiplayer game was released in October 2021, bundled in with Resident Evil Village (which sold 10.5 million copies).
Advertisement
But it's due to be killed off for good on June 29.
"This is to inform you that service will be ending for Resident Evil Re:Verse, which comes packaged with a purchase of Resident Evil Village for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Steam," Capcom explained.
"The application and all of its related DLC will no longer be available for download or purchase."
5
Resident Evil Re:Verse will soon be totally unplayable
Credit: Capcom
Advertisement
Capcom continued: "Resident Evil Re:Verse was developed in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Resident Evil series, and your overwhelming support for the game has far exceeded our expectations since the time of its release.
"Now that we've reached a new turning point for the series, we feel that Resident Evil Re:Verse has served its original, celebratory purpose admirably.
"We are incredibly grateful for your warm support for Resident Evil Re:Verse, and we deeply apologise for bringing you this disappointing news."
The game is already no longer available for download, and its DLC has been scrapped (as of March 3).
Advertisement
Then as of June 29, gamers will no longer be able to play the title.
GAME SERVER CLOSURE #3 – Madden NFL 21
Shutting Down:
June 30, 2025
American
football
fans will lose online support for Madden NFL 21 at the end of June too.
The 2020 title reportedly sold well, according to game-maker EA, although we don't have exact figures.
Advertisement
5
Madden NFL 21 is losing all online support in a matter of weeks
Credit: EA Sports
But in any case, the now-aged title is due to have its servers shut down for good.
"Thank you for your loyalty and passion for Madden NFL over the years," EA Sports said.
"As of June 30, 2025, online services, support, and in-game purchasing for Madden NFL 21 will be retired."
Advertisement
Madden Points are already no longer available for purchase in the game (as of April 1).
OTHER GAME CLOSURES COMING UP
Here's what to watch out for...
MultiVersus - May 30
xDefiant - June 3
The First Descendant - June 19
Black Desert - June 26
Resident Evil ReVerse - June 29
Madden NFL 21 - June 30
Arizona Sunshine - July 1
Skyworld - July 1
Danmachi Battle Chronicle - September 29
WWE 2K24 - September 30
Madden NFL 22 - October 20
PGA Tour 2K21 - October 30
NBA 2K24 - December 31
But it's still possible to use any existing balances until June 30.
Then on June 30, any of your unused Madden Points will expire.
The only upside is that you can still play the game offline after June 30 on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, and PC.
Advertisement
But all online services, support, and in-game purchasing will shut down.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Extra.ie
Assassin's Creed fans rejoice: Series based on game greenlit by Netflix
A live action series based on the Assassin's Creed video games has been greenlit by Netflix. The streaming giant announced that a series based on the game series, which follows a millennia long struggle between the Order of Assassins and the Knights Templar. And after 18 years, 13 mainline games, and a film adaptation starring Michael Fassbender in 2016, it's now time for a limited series. A live action series based on the Assassin's Creed video games has been greenlit by Netflix. Pic: Ubisoft Netflix say in their official logline that the series will be a thriller, and will follow 'a secret war between two shadowy factions — one set on determining mankind's future through control and manipulation, while the other fights to preserve free will.' The series will be produced by Robert Patino and David Wiener, the latter of whom has experience in video game to series adaptations as he worked on Halo, with other executive producers including Margaret Boykin, Gerard Guillemont, and Ubisoft Film and Television's Austin Dill and Matt O'Toole. Netflix signed a deal with Ubisoft, who develop the games, back in 2020, with the deal including multiple projects for the streaming service; including an anime series, animated series and the aforementioned live action series. The game has been adapted several times since its first release in 2007, including a live action film starring Michael Fassbender. Pic: REX 'We've been fans of Assassin's Creed since its release in 2007,' Robert and David said in a joint statement. 'Every day we work on this show, we come away excited and humbled by the possibilities that Assassin's Creed opens to us. 'Beneath the scope, the spectacle, the parkour and the thrills is a baseline for the most essential kind of human story — about people searching for purpose, struggling with questions of identity and destiny and faith. It is about power and violence and sex and greed and vengeance. 'But more than anything, this is a show about the value of human connection, across cultures, across time. And it's about what we stand to lose as a species, when those connections break,' they. continued. The series has seen over 13 games and several adaptations over the years. Pic: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images 'We've got an amazing team behind us with the folks at Ubisoft and our champions at Netflix, and we're committed to creating something undeniable for fans all over the planet.'
RTÉ News
10-07-2025
- RTÉ News
How to manage your kids' gaming habits
"Turn it off. Now." Those four simple words can ignite the fiercest row in any living room across the country. It's usually followed with "because I said so" - which only further fuels the fire. With the summer holidays now in full swing, the battle over managing screen time and gaming habits will no doubt be at an all-time high. And for parents, the gaming industry may seem like an entirely different beast now than it did when they were younger. That kind of anxiety can cause many to throw in the digital towel and admit defeat from the outset. However, the truth is that there are easy and practical approaches to monitoring and promoting healthy gaming habits. Many modern consoles and video games are actually on your side, providing you with lots of different tools to make good decisions and strike the right balance. Getting to know video games – why not have a go yourself? You're probably not going to want to hear this, but the simple truth is that to get a better understanding of how games work and find the perfect length someone should be playing for, you should try them yourself. But don't worry, you won't be alone. A report from 2024 found that up to 50% of Irish adults actively participate in gaming already, so an older person taking up the controller isn't that unusual nowadays. Everyone is becoming a gamer. But as a parent, testing a game out for yourself will give you first-hand experience about its content, gameplay mechanics, and also how long a typical match or session might last. Asking your kid to show you the ropes can also get them involved in the conversation and test their knowledge on the game too. Afterwards, they'll know any decisions you make now come from an informed place. Parental controls are your digital best friend. Use them! You've vetted the games, you understand how they work, and you're OK with the idea of finally leaving the room. But now, how do you manage playtime, connectivity, in-game spending, online communication, and every other online worry that keeps you awake at night? Simple, through the platform's parental controls. Whether it's a PlayStation 5, Xbox, or the new Nintendo Switch 2, almost every console or device offers customisable controls tailored to empower parents. Popular platforms like Fortnite and Roblox also offer ways to customise accounts across a range of devices they might log into. Controls are designed to be easy to use, flexible, and can often be accessed through a nifty smartphone app. Video tutorials break down step-by-step just how you can make the best use of each feature, including: - Setting up individual accounts: For busy gaming households, it's recommended to create and maintain separate profiles for each child. This makes balancing habits easier. - Setting age restrictions: Remember to set accurate birthdates on profiles to ensure that kids cannot purchase or access inappropriate material. For more info on game suitability and age ratings, check out our guide here. - Managing time: Through these controls, you can set the duration of your child's playtime, either on specific days or for the entire week. Parents can add or subtract time as needed, as well as adjust the type of notifications or actions taken when time elapses (more on that later!). - Restricting online communication: With controls, you can limit who can contact or add someone as a friend, join voice chats, and more. - Monitoring in-gaming spending: Especially since so many games have microtransactions, you can also control whether profiles can purchase new games or in-game items, as well as manage a weekly allowance. - Gathering info on games played: Many parental controls can provide you with statistics and reports on what your child is playing, for how long, and their progress to date. This gives you a snapshot of their interests and gives you ideas on other suitable games they might enjoy playing. Balance consistency with flexibility – why 'five more minutes' can be OK Imagine you're nearing the end of a juicy chapter in a new book, or checking out the latest film or TV series. Just before that juicy crescendo, it turns off. Poof! It disappears, and you're told to pick up where you left off next time round. Talk about frustrating, right? Well, this can be the same kind of feeling when a younger gamer is plodding along through their favourite game. Especially if playing with friends, vanishing in the middle of the action can cause all sorts of untold horror for them as they feel like they're letting the squad down. Unfortunately, games don't always work in thirty-minute blocks. And in reality, all they might need is an extra couple of seconds or minutes to finish up. A grace period of a few minutes to finish up an activity could be all that is needed to prevent an all-out war from happening, or spoiling an otherwise fruitful experience. Why not play together? Family gaming is huge right now So many people still think of gaming as something you enjoy on your own. And that time spent on a screen can be isolating. However, the reality is that most modern games now have an enormous social element, promoting teamwork and communication. According to statistics from the Entertainment Software Association, 82% of parents who play video games do so with their kids. And it's no surprise that the industry has responded in kind, with endless lists of modes that allow families to spend time together through gaming. So, what could you play and spend some time together? For young gamers, several TV giants have crossed over into the gaming world, including PAW Patrol: World and Bluey: The Video Game. These are simple to play in co-op mode and are ideal starting points. For older kids, titles like Minecraft Dungeons, Cuphead, Rayman Legends or any of the endless LEGO games (PEGI 7) are widely popular, introducing a new level of difficulty that makes playing with someone else (even a parent!) a core part of the fun. There really is no shortage of games to try. But if in doubt, think party. Multiplayer party games like Super Mario Party Jamboree and Overcooked 2, as well as racing games like Mario Kart World and Crash Team Racing, are recognised for their positive, feel-good family fun. Rather than everyone looking at different screens around the house on their own, games can, in fact, bring people into the same room where they talk to each other – who'd have thought? Want alternatives? Get crafty this summer No matter how much time you might give to gaming, for kids it might sometimes feel like it's never enough. There might always be that feeble request of 'just a few more minutes, please.' In this instance, there are also ways to manage gaming habits without a nearby screen, so long as you're creative and open-minded. Games have found their way into some of the most popular, fun, and culturally rich aspects of everyday life, including literature, music, artwork, food, and fashion. And especially over the summer, when children are actively fighting boredom 24/7, there's a wide range of things they can turn their focus on to still get their gaming fix. The internet is chock-full of ideas, prompts, recipes and tutorials across various media that use the rich world of gaming as a starting point. A simple search can reveal a treasure trove of content to keep the creativity flowing for days and weeks on end. There are thousands upon thousands of tutorial videos, helping you create art and media from the world's biggest-selling or most popular games. There are also endless STEM content options that show you how to recreate everything from dioramas and in-game recipes to making your own video game out of cardboard, Mari (which is sure to keep the adults just as busy as the kids this summer). By being a bit creative and open-minded, you can scratch that gamer's itch while pushing pause on all the gadgets. And even when it's time to turn on the console, flick on the screen, and grab the controller, parents should remember they've plenty of controls and tools within their arsenal to make the best use of that time possible.
Sunday World
03-07-2025
- Sunday World
How Belfast is staying social in the digital age
There are plenty of ways to experience some digital craic Sponsored by Ireland Betting Sites Belfast has always been a city with a strong sense of community. From the banter in the queue at the bakery to the weekly pints with friends in the local pub, there's a natural warmth and wit that defines how the city connects. While the way we socialise might be shifting with the times, that sense of connection hasn't gone anywhere — it's found new outlets. Today, staying social in Belfast often means mixing the traditional with the digital. From online groups to digital quizzes, local podcasts to virtual pub nights, the people of Belfast have found creative ways to stay connected in the modern world. Historical and educational experiences Belfast is home to many digital experiences that make for a fun activity with family and friends. One of the most popular attractions, Titanic Belfast, is a world-class museum built on the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, the site where the infamous ship was built. The museum allows visitors to explore the history of the Titanic through over nine interactive and interpretive digital galleries and exhibits, using sounds, visuals and technology to immerse visitors in the world of the RMS Titanic. For the kids, W5 is a standout destination. This interactive discovery centre at the SSE Arena has over 250 exhibits across eight zones, offering a hands-on learning experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It also offers daily science shows designed to educate and entertain. Source: Getty Images Gaming and community activities With a fast-growing community of gaming enthusiasts, Belfast has embraced a new range of gaming spaces. Active Reality Belfast offers free-roam multiplayer virtual reality experiences. From epic space battles to solving mind-bending puzzles, it's designed for team events to casual outings for family and friends. Just a short drive from Belfast, Belong Gaming Arenas in Ballymena also offers high-end setups with the latest gaming tech, from PlayStation 5 to Xbox Series X, in a safe, social space ideal for younger players and families alike. For those less into gaming but still looking for interactive group experiences, The Armoury and Prison Island offer fun challenges that mix puzzles, escape-room elements and digital design to create fun group nights out or team-building events. Online platforms like Meetup also offer a way to stay social, helping locals find others with shared interests, whether it's tech or board games, all organised through the digital platform but experienced in real life. For those who prefer online fun, many also explore betting sites that bring a different kind of excitement through sports and gaming options at home. Some focus on local football leagues or UK horse racing, making them popular with sports fans across Belfast. Entertainment in a digital world For younger people in particular, socialising often happens through screens but that doesn't mean it's any less real. Online gaming, streaming, and content creation have opened up entirely new ways to stay connected. Platforms like Discord, Twitch, and YouTube are filled with Belfast voices, from gamers to musicians to artists and vloggers, all using digital tools to build online communities. While some parents may scratch their heads at it, to a new generation, these platforms are just as socially rich as a night at Lavery's or a pint after five-a-side. Whether chatting while playing Fortnite, reacting to new TikTok's, or sending memes, it's all part of how people connect today. For many popular activities like quiz nights, places have adapted to the times by incorporating technology to enhance these fun experiences. Places such as the Haymarket also host Virtual Quiz Night events, while Digital Pub Safari combines the city streets and local pubs to create a unique team-building activity on the award-winning app (which serves as the guide). Fitness with a virtual spin Health and wellness have become a more trending topic, and many gyms and fitness influencers such as Caroline Girvan and Sean Casey, have created platforms that have cultivated online communities that extend beyond the gym floor. Spaces like Better Gym Belfast offer technically advanced gym equipment, from a free weights area to heart rate monitoring in spin classes, including features like the Mywellness app — where users can track workouts, watch equipment demos and access virtual Les Mills classes from home. Staying connected In a world of screen time and streaming, Belfast's social life has adapted without losing its soul. Whether it's chatting with mates on Discord, bonding over 'girl dinner' recipes on Instagram or trying your luck on betting sites, the essence is the same — staying close and staying connected in the digital age.
