Gundam’s free-to-play hero shooter shuts down less than a year after release
Meching an exit
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Despite having launched under a year ago, Bandai Namco Online’sGundam Onlineis shutting down.
Set in the world of the beloved Gundam anime,Gundam Evolutionlaunched last September for PC, withPS5,PS4,Xbox Series X|S, andXbox Oneversions launching last December. The mech-fuelled hero shooter is set to close on November 29.
In apost on the game’s official website,Gundam Evolutionexecutive producer Kazuya Maruyama announced the end of the title. “We want to express our gratitude to everyone who has played the game and supported us to this point. At the same time, we would like to sincerely apologize to our fans and players.”
However, though the game’s time in the sun is coming to an end, it looks like Maruyama and his team are keen for things to end with a bang, rather than a whimper.
“ThoughGundam Evolutionis coming to an end, updates will continue to roll out with Season 6 (adding a new unit and two maps) on August 23 (PDT) and the final season (adding a new unit and a map) on October 25 (PDT). We will do our best to ensure that our players can enjoyGundam Evolutionto the fullest till the very end.”
Gundam Evolution’s impending shutdown is, no doubt, difficult news for fans. However, at least they will be able to enjoy a few new maps and units before the game finally shuts down in November.
Unfortunately, this story is becoming far too common with live service games. Not every entry into the oversaturated field can be the nextOverwatch 2orDestiny 2. The free-to-play model can be a double-edged sword, both for developers and consumers alike. The sunsetting ofGundam Evolutionfollows in the footsteps of BioWare’s ill-fatedAnthemand 2K’s long-departedBattleborn.
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Despite the flaws of these titles, it’s sad to see their diverse takes on the hero-shooter genre lost to the aether.
Looking for new gaming horizons you can enjoy with friends? Check out our list of thebest upcoming gamesand thebest co-op games.
An editor and freelance journalist, Cat Bussell has been writing about video games for more than four years and, frankly, she’s developed a taste for it. As seen on TechRadar, Technopedia, The Gamer, Wargamer, and SUPERJUMP, Cat’s reviews, features, and guides are lovingly curated for your reading pleasure.
A Cambridge graduate, recovering bartender, and Cloud Strife enjoyer, Cat’s foremost mission is to bring you the best coverage she can, whether that’s through helpful guides, even-handed reviews, or thought-provoking features. She’s interviewed indie darlings, triple-A greats, and legendary voice actors, all to help you get closer to the action. When she’s not writing, Cat can be found sticking her neck into a fresh RPG or running yet another Dungeons & Dragons game.
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