Sony Shuts Down Multiplayer Services for PS5 Exclusives “Destruction AllStars”
On May 27, 2026, Sony Interactive Entertainment officially delisted the PlayStation 5 game Destruction AllStars and shut down its multiplayer servers, marking the end of an ambitious but underperforming title. The decision comes nearly five years after the game’s initial announcement and subsequent delays, raising questions about the sustainability of live-service games in the competitive gaming market.
Background of Destruction AllStars
Destruction AllStars, developed by Lucid Games, was one of the first PlayStation 5 titles unveiled by Sony in 2020. Positioned as a “futuristic destruction derby,” the game aimed to combine high-octane racing with physics-based combat. Initially priced at $69.99, it was delayed to February 2021 and reduced to $19.99 to boost sales. The game was also offered as a PlayStation Plus perk, but it struggled to gain traction with both critics and players.
Reasons for Shutdown
Sony’s official notice on the PS5 user interface stated that “multiplayer services for Destruction AllStars have been taken offline.” While the company did not provide a detailed explanation, the move aligns with broader industry trends of discontinuing underperforming live-service games. The game’s free-to-play competitors, such as Rocket League, had already set a high bar for accessibility and engagement, making Destruction AllStars a tough sell.
Critics noted the game’s limited content and heavy reliance on microtransactions, which drew significant backlash. According to Metacritic, the game received a 62/100 score from critics and a 4.9/10 from users, with OpenCritic reporting that only 10% of critics recommended the title.
Industry Reactions and Implications
The shutdown highlights the risks associated with launching new live-service games on next-gen consoles. Despite Sony’s backing, Destruction AllStars failed to resonate with audiences, underscoring the challenges of differentiating in a saturated market. The decision also signals a shift toward more sustainable game development models, where studios focus on long-term player engagement rather than short-term revenue.
What Happens Next?
While multiplayer services are offline, the game’s arcade mode remains accessible for returning players. Players can still redeem “Destruction Points” purchased before November 25, 2026. However, the lack of ongoing support and content updates suggests that Destruction AllStars will likely fade into obscurity.
FAQ
Why did Sony shut down Destruction AllStars?
Sony cited “ongoing technical issues” as the reason for the shutdown, though the decision also reflects broader industry trends of discontinuing underperforming titles. The game struggled with mixed critical reception and limited player engagement, particularly when compared to free-to-play competitors.
Will the game return in the future?
As of now, Sony has not announced any plans to revive Destruction AllStars. The shutdown of multiplayer servers and delisting from the PlayStation Store suggest that the title is being phased out permanently.
What happened to the developers?
Lucid Games, the developer of Destruction AllStars, has not publicly commented on the shutdown. The studio previously worked on titles like Twisted Metal, but its future projects remain unclear.