The game director of MultiVersus, Tony Huynh, has publicly 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. While offline access to purchased and earned content remains via local and training modes, real-money transactions have ceased. The game will also be delisted from major digital storefronts on May 30th.
The announcement, coupled with the absence of a refund policy, sparked outrage among players, particularly those who purchased the $100 Founder's Pack, with many expressing feelings of being "scammed." The situation has predictably resulted in negative reviews flooding Steam.
Huynh's statement addressed player concerns and strongly denounced the threats: He expressed gratitude towards Warner Bros. Games, the development teams, IP holders, and players. He acknowledged the disappointment and apologized for the delayed response, citing the focus on the team during a difficult time. He highlighted the team's dedication and creativity, thanking players for their support and contributions. He explained the complexities of character selection, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the development process and the factors influencing decisions. He clarified that he doesn't possess the authority some players assume and defended the team's efforts to listen and respond to community feedback. Finally, he pleaded with players to refrain from threats of violence, emphasizing the emotional toll on the team.
Angelo Rodriguez Jr., community manager and developer, echoed Huynh's sentiments on X/Twitter, defending him against the threats and highlighting his dedication and commitment to the players. He urged players to consider Huynh's perspective and to appreciate the team's efforts in delivering Season 5.
MultiVersus' failure adds to Warner Bros. Games' recent struggles, following the poor reception of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Warner Bros. Discovery reported significant financial losses attributed to these two titles, totaling $300 million. The company's third-quarter 2024 release, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, also failed to gain traction.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav acknowledged the underperformance of their games division and announced a renewed focus on four key franchises: Hogwarts Legacy (with a sequel in development), Mortal Kombat, Game of Thrones, and DC, particularly Batman. This strategy involves concentrating development efforts on established franchises and proven studios to improve success rates. While Mortal Kombat 1's financial performance remains uncertain, NetherRealm Studios reported over five million sales and teased future DLC.
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