Battleborn released way back on May 3rd, 2016. The game hit the market three weeks before Activision and Blizzard’s Overwatch, and although some people could see a future in Battleborn, the game’s player base quickly bled off when Overwatch came out.
It didn’t help that Battleborn launched with its fair share of issues and current year feminism, such as the following video that sees the main protagonist Oscar Mike spewing this garbage:
With that said, Battleborn lived up to its nickname “stillborn,” and with nobody hardly playing it the official Twitter account for the game posted the following string of tweets:
[1/3] Today we have begun the process of gradually sunsetting Battleborn. Starting February 24, 2020, you will no longer be able to purchase virtual currency for use in the game.
— Battleborn (@Battleborn) November 25, 2019
[2/3] The game’s servers will remain active and the game will continue to be playable until January 2021. However, once servers are deactivated, Battleborn will no longer be playable. To learn more, please refer to this detailed FAQ: https://t.co/wos2fH2xhv
— Battleborn (@Battleborn) November 25, 2019
[3/3] We’re extremely proud of the work that went into the game, and want to extend our deep appreciation to all the fans for their support. We’ll continue to provide updates on the sunsetting of the title when appropriate.
— Battleborn (@Battleborn) November 25, 2019
In other words, 2K and Gearbox will stifle all digital download applications from any storefront and will end all playable Battleborn servers come 2021. This means that the dead game will be buried even deeper into the ground.
Moreover, I can’t see 2K nor Gearbox making a sequel to this failed game. The controversial publisher and developer will likely stick to safe money-making practices while playing the tune to any microtransaction or current year beat.
So what does this all mean? Well, it means that the live-service game didn’t even reach the five-year mark and is dead enough that it made a nice spot on the get woke, go broke master list.
As of now, the game is still live, but good luck trying to queue up a successful game thriving and bustling with a full lobby. Until 2021 rolls around, you can play Battleborn across PC, PS4, and Xbox One.