Unfortunately for players, the Japanese publisher Bandai Namco has already announced the end of a title adapted from a legendary license. It really didn’t last long…
In the world of video games, as elsewhere, it’s a bit of a do or die. If a software does not manage to federate from its launch, it can be complicated for him. Some have returned from hell, like Cyberpunk 2077, while others rest in peace. A Bandai Namco production will join other titles that left too soon (or too late, depending).
It’s over for this Bandai Namco game from an iconic brand
Generally, online games have the right to live for several years, except when the result is not there and / or the players are sorely lacking. This is the risk involved in embarking on this type of project, but companies are always ready to take it. After trying to revive a beloved Japanese animation franchise, bandai namco finally throws in the towel.
Next November, you will have to say goodbye to Gundam Evolution. A multiplayer free-to-play game, published and developed in-house by Bandai Namco, which featured player versus player combat. “ Gundam Evolution is a free first-person and team-based shooter. With 6v6 PvP combat. Three objective-based game modes await you: Point Capture, Domination and Destruction. Each game mode offers its own set of unique challenges. To emerge victorious, each team will have to develop and use advanced offensive and defensive strategies.. A title that, initially, should have had a follow-up from Bandai Namco with news, maps, robots, game modes and objects to customize the mechas. Forget all that, it’s over!
Here is the statement from Kazuya Maruyama, Executive Producer of Gundam Evolution. “Thank you all for your unwavering support. I’m Kazuya Maruyama, Executive Producer of GE. It is with great sadness that we announce the end of the game. The service will end on November 30, 2023. Our desire was to create a game that brings together first-person shooter fans and Gundam fans. We put our hearts into crafting a Gundam shooter that would touch gamers all over the world.
Unfortunately, we found that we could not continue to provide a service able to satisfy our players. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who enjoyed playing our game and supported us along this journey. We apologize to our fans and players for this sad news.” (via the official website). Following this message, Bandai Namco explained its plans to end the game.
Gundam Evolution is dead, long live Armored Core 6
It’s the end… but not completely. Bandai Namco will unplug the plug smoothly. Updates will continue until Season 7 rolls out. “The updates will continue with Season 6 (with the addition of a new unit and two new maps) on August 24 and the final season (with the addition of a new unit and a new map) on October 26. We will do everything possible to ensure that players can continue to enjoy the game until the very end ».
Bandai Namco has listed the three main dates to remember:
- August 26, 2023: Season 6 update with two new maps, a new unit and increased capital points. This way, players won’t have to buy EVO coins.
- October 26, 2023: Update for Season 7. Again, a new map and unit are expected, with an increase in capital points. Accuracy though: “it will no longer be possible to win a special title during season 7”
- November 30, 2023 at 2 a.m. (French time): it’s the end, the real one. Game, items and EVO coins will be unusable
If Bandai Namco no longer believes in Gundam Evolution, the publisher still believes in the divine power of mechas. It is thanks to the company, and FromSoftware (Elden Ring), that Armored Core 6 will finally become a reality. It will be available on August 25, 2023 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC.