PlayStation Pulls Plug on Destruction AllStars

PlayStation has abruptly ended support for its live-service game, Destruction AllStars. The game is no longer available for purchase on the PlayStation Store, and its online servers have been shut down. Players who previously acquired the game can still engage with its offline arcade mode, competing against computer-controlled bots.

Launched in 2021, Destruction AllStars received a lukewarm reception from critics and players alike. Despite its release during a period of limited new titles for the PlayStation 5, early adopters did not widely embrace it. Even when provided as a complimentary title to PlayStation Plus subscribers for two months, its player base did not significantly grow. Reviewers noted that while the core driving and combat mechanics offered moments of chaotic fun, the overall experience lacked depth and repetitive on-foot sections detracted from the enjoyment.

The development studio behind Destruction AllStars, Lucid Games, comprises former employees of Bizarre Creations, known for racing titles like Project Gotham Racing and Blur. Since Destruction AllStars, Lucid Games has contributed to other projects, including Sea of Thieves, but has not released another title of its own. This move by PlayStation comes shortly after reports of significant layoffs at Bungie and the scaling back of support for Destiny 2, signaling potential challenges in PlayStation's broader live-service gaming strategy. Currently, Helldivers 2 and Gran Turismo 7 are identified as PlayStation's primary successful live-service titles.