Quantic Dream Shuts Down MOBA Just Three Months Post-Launch, Adding to the List of Struggling Live-Service Games

Quantic Dream is pulling the plug on Spellcasters Chronicles, the free-to-play multiplayer fantasy MOBA that debuted on Steam earlier this year. The studio, known for titles like Detroit: Become Human, announced that it will stop development due to the game’s inability to attract a sufficient player base, but reassured fans that this decision won’t affect their upcoming project, Star Wars Eclipse.

“Our teams aimed to venture into new creative realms and deliver a bold, original multiplayer experience with this project,” the French studio shared on X. “Spellcasters Chronicles allowed us to test new ideas and develop an ambitious game shaped by the talent, creativity, and commitment of everyone involved.”

They added, “However, in the current challenging market landscape, the game hasn’t reached the audience necessary for its long-term viability. Consequently, we’ve made the tough choice to redirect our focus to other projects.”

Quantic Dream also indicated that this decision will lead to a “reorganization,” hinting at potential layoffs within the studio. They emphasized that these changes would not affect the ongoing development of Star Wars Eclipse, a title first teased years ago that appears to be aiming for a PlayStation 6 release.

“This new title may surprise our fans as it is quite different from our previous work,” Quantic Dream director David Cage stated last October when Spellcasters Chronicles was announced. “However, taking risks, challenging ourselves, exploring new gameplay and storytelling methods, and attempting the seemingly impossible has always been part of our DNA.”

He further noted, “We understand how demanding it is to create something new. Gaining players’ trust, standing out in a competitive market, and introducing innovative concepts is incredibly tough. Since we have no legacy in this genre, we know we have everything to prove — which is why your support and feedback will be crucial. Together, we believe we can craft something truly unique.”

The game’s Early Access launch on Steam last February received little attention and mostly mixed reviews, with many players reporting bugs. One player remarked, “Games over a decade older than this have looked identical visually and have mechanics equally or more complex and run a thousand times better than this.” However, another player offered a more optimistic view, stating, “It’s a great concept of a combination of RTS and MOBA wrapped into a deck building playstyle. I truly hope this game gains more following and allows for it to continue to grow.”

The servers for Spellcasters Chronicles will go offline on June 19, and all players will receive full refunds.