Sony to Axe PS Vita Game After First Year

Destiny of Spirits, the free-to-play RPG developed at Sony Japan Studios, will shut down little more than a year after its release.

The PS Vita game appeared to be popular, with claims from its developers suggesting it had been downloaded more than one million times. A notice on PlayStation Japan's website states that the global response to Destiny of Spirits "has been incredible." The reason for its deletion was not disclosed.

On June 30, the online service in which the game plays on will be terminated, effectively rendering the game useless. Customers who have acquired Destiny Orbs--in-game currency that can be acquired with real cash--have not been offered refunds or alternative games where the currency can be spent.

In the build-up to the game's closure, its development team will run a special Destiny Orb sale in late April.

The developer added: "To ensure everyone can make the most of the last few months of service, we will be launching a Fan Appreciation Campaign and bringing back past raid boss events with the final game update, version 1.12."

"We at the DoS team will be working to support the game all the way up until the end of the service, and we look forward to playing with all of you until the last day.

"Thanks again for playing."