Microsoft pulls plug on Xbox 360’s Ascend: Hand of Kul

In a sudden announcement, Signal Studios confirmed that Microsoft has discontinued support for Ascent: Hand of Kul on Xbox 360, removing the free-to-play game from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

The move appears to have taken Signal Studios by surprise as well. The developer wrote on their blog, "This surfaced to us while investigating various issues players have been experiencing over the weekend."

"We are deeply saddened by this decision and the impact it has on our community," the developer continued. Although Microsoft has discontinued support for the Xbox 360 version of Ascend, a free beta version of the game is available on Steam with "a wealth of gameplay improvements."

To make it up to fans, Signal Studios has said they will grand all new Ascend PC players a starting bonus of souls totaling 25K, which can be used to purchase gear, spells and buffs. All existing Ascend PC players will receive a 10K soul bonus just for playing.

Ascend: Hand of Kul​ will officially close on November 18, 2014. In preparation, Microsoft has disabled the ability to purchase any additional Souls. Microsoft notes that you'll still be able to play the game and use any content already purchased until the shutdown date.