Monster Hunter-like free-to-play motion RPG Dauntless is shutting down on Would possibly 29 after a string of screw ups for developer Phoenix Labs.
The studio introduced the upcoming shutdown nowadays. “Dauntless will obtain no further content material or updates,” a Twitter put up reads, including in no unsure phrases that “Dauntless will not be to be had to play on and after Would possibly 29, 2025 at 11:45PM PST.”
A Discord put up within the recreation’s legit server reads: “This used to be now not a very simple determination, and we wish to specific our gratitude to our gamers, companions and the proficient builders who introduced Dauntless to existence.
“To our group, your hobby, creativity, and determination made Dauntless greater than only a recreation – it changed into a shared global and a spot the place friendships had been solid. We all know there have been instances we didn’t get it proper, however we at all times strived to provide the very best revel in shall we. We’re grateful on your comments, endurance and strengthen over time.”
This shutdown can have been mildly stunning this time final 12 months, however after Phoenix Labs laid off the “majority of the studio” final month, enthusiasts were making ready for the worst. The Discord announcement has been met with a suitable quantity of cranium and saluting emojis.
It is value remembering that Dauntless used to be lovely darn amusing in its top, nevertheless it has confronted hardship after hardship ever since Phoenix Labs used to be quietly bought by means of blockchain corporate Area of expertise Labs in 2023.
An preliminary wave of layoffs hit the studio in Would possibly 2024 as a separate recreation nearing expose used to be canceled after years in construction. December 2024 noticed the discharge of an immensely unpopular Dauntless replace that gutted the sport’s core methods so completely that probably the most authentic Phoenix Labs staffers spoke out towards it. This became Dauntless’ once-hyped Steam debut right into a river of crimson critiques.
Sport Developer prior to now reported that Area of expertise Labs had pressed builders to paintings blockchain era, which has but to yield a unmarried a success recreation regardless of more than one failed makes an attempt, into their initiatives. This by no means manifested in Dauntless by the use of mechanics or monetization, however its unexpected nosedive and overhaul would undoubtedly mirror a recreation whose creators had won distressing new orders from higher-ups.
In the meantime, at groups now not owned by means of blockchain corporations: Monster Hunter Wilds debuts because the highest-rated recreation of 2025 with a 90 Metacritic rating, and it is the top-selling recreation on Steam forward of release this week.
