World of Tanks devs’ free mech game Steel Hunters is dying in October, just months after release

Wargaming, the creators behind World of Tanks, have announced they will be shutting down their recent game release, Steel Hunters. Debuted in April, this exciting hero shooter featuring giant robots received a moderate welcome, yet struggled to maintain a substantial player count.

Since its debut, regular updates have been released, but unfortunately, the number of players has consistently decreased. In a statement to their dedicated fanbase, Wargaming has disclosed that they will be concluding the project in October 2025, right before the anticipated rollout of version 1.0 update.

As a diehard fan, I had the privilege of trying out Steel Hunters right before its grand debut, and let me tell you, it was an exhilarating experience! However, I couldn’t help but feel that the game’s rhythm fell short of expectations. With fewer warriors in each mech-centric battle, it seemed as though the game was reaching its climax precisely when things were about to get truly thrilling, leaving me with a sense of disappointment rather than satisfaction.

As a fellow gamer, it’s with a heavy heart that I have to break some disappointing news: we’re pulling the plug on Steel Hunters. It’s been an incredible journey filled with your unwavering passion and support, but sadly, we’ve reached a point where continuing development isn’t feasible anymore. We understand this isn’t the outcome anyone hoped for, and we feel your disappointment just as deeply.

The servers supporting the game will remain active until October 8, 2025. Beyond that date, they will be shut down permanently, ensuring the game can never be played again.

Towards the end of the game, Wargaming is providing full access to all unlockable content for every player, along with previously developed characters. Furthermore, they plan on incorporating Custom Game options so players can play with friends, organize community matches, and make lasting memories together.

Ultimately, the studio plans to host a farewell event called a “gratitude tournament” with the community, where they can pay tribute to the game and its supporters. At this point, specifics about the tournament are still undisclosed.

As a game developer, I can’t express enough gratitude for the time, feedback, memes, and epic battles we’ve shared together. Ever since the Alpha phase, you’ve been shaping Steel Hunters with your boundless energy, creativity, and unwavering dedication. It’s been an honor to have you along on this journey, and I can honestly say that we couldn’t have asked for a better community. We’ll miss each and every one of you dearly.

In an interview with VideoGamer this year, creative director Surgey Titarenko confessed that creating a World of Mechs game could have been a wiser choice for the studio, as there were intense debates about whether to stick with an existing IP or venture into uncharted territory. Unfortunately, they may have made the wrong decision, but at least they attempted something unique, even if it didn’t succeed.

Read More

2025-07-09 12:10