Jump Forcehas had a good run, but it looks like its final days are now upon it. Bandai Namco released information regarding the end ofJump Force, including dates for its departure from digital storefronts, and the end of its online services.
On paper, Jump Force seemed like it had the recipe for success: assembling Shonen Jump’s most popular characters in a fighting game was something fans had dreamt about for years. From the ‘Big Three’ ofOne Piece’s Luffy,Dragon Ball’s Goku, and Naruto from the series of the same name, to others likeMy Hero Academia’s Deku,Bleach’s Ichigo, and even Gon and Killua fromHunter x Hunter,Jump Force’s rosterboasts practically all of anime’s heaviest hitters. Like all games though,Jump Forcehas its share of problems, from its underwhelming story mode, to a large power imbalance between its roster, making certain fighters nearly unplayable. Nonetheless, the game has its followers, and has released many new fighters since its launch.
RELATED:Jump Force Releases New Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Giorno Giovanna Gameplay
A new tweet from Bandai Namco details the final proceedings forJump Forceas the game approaches its end of life. According to Bandai Namco,Jump Forceand its various editions, DLC packs, and viritual currency will all be delisted from the PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC storefronts on June 29, 2025 at 5PM PST, with times varying worldwide. Furthermore,Jump Force’s online services will be shutdown six months later on Jun 14, 2025 between 6PM and 10PM PDT, again with times varying. After this date,Jump Forcewill only be playable in a local capacity, its offline content still being accessible.
AsJump Forcewould indicate, Bandai Namco is one of the primary distributors of anime-related video games around the world, it holding many of those franchise’s licenses. That said, there are many other anime fighting games available that may fill the hole left byJump Force, even if their rosters aren’t as all encompassing. Recently released wasDemon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles, a fighting game from the developers of the well-receivedNaruto Ultimate Ninja Stormseries, allowing players to take control of Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and many other characters in epic head-to-head battles. DespiteDemon Slayer’s sudden popularity, it never saw representation inJump Force.
Video game shutdowns are just a natural part of the industry, that nearly all online games are fated for. Unfortunately, due toJump Force’s mixed reception from fans, and its dwindling player base, Bandai Namco felt it was time to just pull the plug and move on. What might be particuarly disappointing is how short-livedJump Forceactually was, considering it was released in 2019, when the servers forXbox 360 era Halo games will finally be shutting downin 2022. Hopefully the end of Jump Force just means the beginning of a new and better project.
Jump Forceis available on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
