MultiVersus Dev Calls Out ‘Threats to Harm’ Following Shutdown Announcement: ‘I Am in Deep Mourning for the Game’

The game director of MultiVersus, Tony Huynh, has publicly addressed the troubling issue of "threats to harm" developers following the announcement that the game will shut down in May. Player First Games, the studio behind the Warner Bros. brawler, revealed that Season 5 will be the final one, marking the end of the game just a year after its relaunch. Players can still enjoy their earned and purchased content offline through local and training modes, but real-money transactions have ceased. Gleamium and character tokens can be used until support ends on May 30, after which MultiVersus will be delisted from major digital storefronts.

The announcement has led to significant backlash, especially from those who purchased the $100 premium Founder's Pack and felt "scammed" due to the lack of a refund policy. Many players have expressed frustration over unused character tokens, contributing to a wave of negative reviews on Steam. In response, Huynh shared a heartfelt statement on social media, expressing gratitude towards the developers, IP holders, and the community, while also addressing the threats of violence received by the team.

Huynh emphasized the sadness and mourning felt by the team, stating, "Nobody wanted this outcome and it wasn’t from lack of caring or effort." He also highlighted the collaborative nature of Player First Games, where ideas from anyone are encouraged. Additionally, he called out the threats, stressing that they cross a line during an already difficult time for the team.

Community manager and game developer Angelo Rodriguez Jr. supported Huynh on social media, describing the threats as unacceptable and defending Huynh's dedication to the game and the community. Rodriguez Jr. emphasized the team's efforts to improve the game, even in its final season, and urged the community to consider Huynh's message thoughtfully.

The closure of MultiVersus adds to a series of challenges for Warner Bros. Games, following the disappointing launch of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The financial impact has been significant, with Warner Bros. Discovery reporting a $200 million loss from Suicide Squad and an additional $100 million from MultiVersus. The only new release from Warner Bros. Games in the third quarter of 2024, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, failed to make a mark.

In a financial call, Warner Bros. Discovery President and CEO David Zaslav acknowledged the underperformance of the games division and announced a strategic focus on four key franchises: Hogwarts Legacy, Mortal Kombat, Game of Thrones, and DC, particularly Batman. This shift aims to leverage proven studios to enhance success rates. Amid these changes, Warner Bros. continues to navigate the aftermath of its recent game launches and the broader challenges within its gaming division.