Microsoft plans to shut down the Xbox 360 version of the free-to-play fantasy action RPG Ascend: Hand of Kul on November 18, just over a year after it officially launched on the game console in late September 2013.
While current players can still access the game, Ascend has already been removed from the Xbox Live Marketplace. In a message on Thursday posted on its Play XBLA website, Microsoft said:
"Effective November 18, 2014, Ascend on Xbox 360 will close and all Soul purchases have been disabled as part of the Marketplace shutdown. Players will still be able to play Ascend on Xbox 360 and use any content they have already acquired until the game closure date."
The game was developed by Signal Studios and in their own announcement on the shut down they said, "We are deeply saddened by this decision and the impact it has on our community." The developer added they discovered Microsoft's intentions to shut down Ascend when they were looking into issues players of the game were reporting over the weekend.
The good news for Ascend fans is that Signal Studios has already released a PC version of the game via Steam, with a number of improvements compared to the Xbox 360 version. Signal stated, "In appreciation of our fans, Signal Studios will grant all new Ascend PC players a starting bonus of souls totaling 25K which can be used to purchase gear, spells and buffs. All existing Ascend PC players will receive a 10K soul bonus just for playing."
What do you think about Microsoft shutting down this free-to-play game so soon after its launch?
Source: Play XBLA, Signal Studios
