AFAIK, servers are rented for years (I believe 24 months minimum), and renewed after financial performances (are we making more money in the multiplayer than the server costs, the “content” pipeline, and the maintenance?). If it doesn’t make money, they let the contract expire.
Second, the publisher usually pays the servers, while the studio is tasked with the last two tasks (content, maintenance).
So no, it won’t die immediately, but it will probably die next year. I highly doubt the publisher will task another third party studio to maintain it.
AFAIK, servers are rented for years (I believe 24 months minimum), and renewed after financial performances (are we making more money in the multiplayer than the server costs, the “content” pipeline, and the maintenance?). If it doesn’t make money, they let the contract expire.
Second, the publisher usually pays the servers, while the studio is tasked with the last two tasks (content, maintenance).
So no, it won’t die immediately, but it will probably die next year. I highly doubt the publisher will task another third party studio to maintain it.