Sony shuts down another live-service game after 5 years
Sony has pulled the plug on Destruction AllStars, shutting down the game's multiplayer servers and delisting it from the PlayStation Store. The move comes just over five years after the title's launch and continues a troubling pattern of live-service game failures within PlayStation's portfolio.
Developed by Lucid Games and originally announced at Sony's 2020 "Future of Gaming" PS5 unveiling event, Destruction AllStars was meant to be a flagship launch title for the new console. Instead, it became another casualty of the increasingly challenging live-service market.
A Difficult Launch
The game's troubles began before it even hit store shelves. Originally priced at $69.99 at launch in February 2021, Destruction AllStars was discounted to just $19.99 before its release - a clear signal that Sony was already struggling to generate interest. The game was also offered as a PlayStation Plus perk, further devaluing its retail price point.
Critical reception was lukewarm at best. Metacritic gave the game a score of 62, accompanied by a "generally unfavorable" user score of 4.9. OpenCritic reported that only 10% of critics recommended the game, reflecting widespread disappointment with what was supposed to be a major PS5 exclusive.
The Live-Service Struggle
Destruction AllStars' shutdown highlights the particular challenges faced by paid live-service games in an increasingly crowded market. The game attempted to compete with free-to-play alternatives like Rocket League, which had already established itself as the dominant vehicle in the vehicular combat arena. For players faced with a choice between a $70 game that would eventually be discounted to $20 and a free alternative with a proven track record, the decision was often clear.
The multiplayer servers were shut down on May 26, 2026, and the game has been removed from the PlayStation Store. Destruction Points, the game's in-game currency, are no longer available for purchase. However, players who already own the game can still access its arcade mode until November 25, 2026, giving them a few more months to experience the single-player content.
What Happens Next
Lucid Games, the studio behind Destruction AllStars, was founded by former members of Bizarre Creations, the original developers of the Project Gotham Racing series. The studio's work on Destruction AllStars was meant to be their breakout hit, but the game's struggles have led to a different outcome.
Following the game's underperformance, Lucid Games has shifted its focus to serving as a support studio on Rare's Sea of Thieves. It's a reminder that not every studio's first live-service venture will succeed, and that pivoting to support roles can be a viable path forward in an industry that demands constant adaptation.
A Pattern of Failures
Destruction AllStars is far from the first live-service game to fall victim to Sony's evolving strategy. The shutdown follows Concord's high-profile failure in 2024 and The Last of Us multiplayer's cancellation in 2023. These consecutive setbacks have led Sony to reconsider its approach to live-service gaming, with the company pulling back from aggressive pushes in this space.
For players who invested time and money into Destruction AllStars, the shutdown serves as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of live-service games. Even titles backed by major publishers and significant marketing budgets can disappear when they fail to find their audience. The game's journey from PS5 launch star to delisted service reflects the harsh realities of modern gaming, where player attention is scarce and competition is fierce.
As Sony continues to navigate the live-service landscape, Destruction AllStars will remain a cautionary tale about the challenges of launching a paid multiplayer game in an era dominated by free-to-play alternatives.