Fans of the free-to-play hero shooter Star Wars: Hunters will soon lose access as the game’s online servers are scheduled to close on October 1, 2025. Initially launched for the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices in June 2024, the game was also set to make its PC debut on Steam in January 2025. However, recent announcements indicate that the Steam release has been canceled indefinitely.
Earlier reports suggested that Star Wars: Hunters would transition to Steam after gathering user feedback during a December playtest. Despite these plans, the shutdown notice now reveals the game’s discontinuation across all platforms, casting doubt on its future availability on PC.
What Led to the Decision to Shut Down?
Zynga, the developer behind Star Wars: Hunters, issued a shutdown message stating,
“After careful consideration, we want to let you know that the final content update for Star Wars: Hunters on all platforms will be on April 15th.”
The decision follows less-than-expected reception, with the Nintendo Switch version receiving a 57 aggregate score on Metacritic. The company highlighted the community’s dedication but ultimately opted to end support.
Impact on Players and In-Game Purchases
All in-app purchases will be disabled on April 15, and Zynga has announced that no refunds will be provided for outstanding in-game currency, known as Crystals.
“We are providing a 30-day notice leading up to the end of in-app purchases to give players ample time to prepare and spend the in-game currency they have purchased,”
the company explained in their FAQ section.
Future Prospects for Similar Live Service Games
The closure of Star Wars: Hunters underscores the volatile nature of live service games, even those tied to major franchises. Despite the popularity of the Star Wars brand, maintaining a successful live service requires sustained player engagement and favorable reception, which Star Wars: Hunters struggled to achieve.
The termination of Star Wars: Hunters adds to a growing list of live service games that fail to maintain momentum, highlighting the challenges developers face in retaining player interest over extended periods. This case serves as a cautionary tale for future projects in the genre.
Looking ahead, gamers and developers alike may take note of the factors that contribute to the longevity of live service titles. Ensuring a robust and engaging experience, coupled with strong community support, could be crucial for the success of upcoming games in this space.
