PS4 Exclusive Blacklight Retribution Servers Shutting Down August 31

Blacklight: Retribution, a console-exclusive game for PS4 released in 2013, will have its servers deactivated, according to an announcement from the developer on Discord.

Originally released for PC, Blacklight: Retribution was not launched for any other console. It was one of the first free games for PS4.

Although the PC version didn’t last long and was discontinued in 2019, the PS4 version survived even after being removed from the PS Store, as well as a developer transition when its original team, Zombie Studios, shut down in 2015—passing the torch to Hardsuit Labs.

After 12 years, the server shutdown announcement was made. “Hello, agents. On August 31, the backend services that Blacklight: Retribution depends on will be terminated for the last time,” states a Discord notice (via PS LifeStyle). “Unfortunately, this is a necessary change as we’ve exhausted options to support hosting Blacklight‘s backend services.”

The developer thanked PS4 players for supporting Blacklight: Retribution throughout the years. “Occasionally, I still log in and play a match or two just to check if everything works or if the backend needs a nudge,” the statement continues. “Consistently finding a match 12 years post-PS4 launch brings joy—a moment quickly lost watching the respawn timer countdown after lingering in the HRV too long.” Hyper Reality Visor, or HRV, is a game mechanic.