Introduction
Instead of an immediate shutdown, the studio is giving players about one month of final access. In-app purchases were already disabled on April 6 to protect users from further spending. CEO Yun Seong-kuk issued a heartfelt public apology, taking personal responsibility and outlining next steps.
This guide breaks down everything affected players need to know: the exact Clover Games shutdown timeline, refund instructions, game overviews, why this happened, and actionable advice before the servers go offline. Whether you’re a long-time Lord of Heroes veteran or a recent HEAVENHELLS player, here’s how to prepare.
What Happened: Clover Games Files for Bankruptcy
CEO Yun Seong-kuk personally invested over ₩3 billion (roughly $2.2 million USD) of his own funds over the past three years to keep services running. The studio also carried out significant layoffs (approximately 100 of 160 employees in recent months) in an attempt to stay afloat. Ultimately, intensifying competition in the mobile gaming market made continued operations impossible.
The company chose transparency over a sudden closure, issuing official notices on the Lord of Heroes and HEAVENHELLS blogs the same day.
Which Games Are Affected by the Clover Games Shutdown?
Lord of Heroes Shutdown
HEAVENHELLS (Heaven Hells) Shutdown
Ayakashi Rise: AFK Demon Hunt Shutdown
No other active Clover Games titles were mentioned in the official notices, but all services under the company are affected.
Official Clover Games Shutdown Timeline
- April 6, 2026: All in-app purchases disabled across every game.
- May 9, 2026 (Saturday): Service termination begins in stages at 14:00 UTC (approximately 23:00 KST). Servers are scheduled to stay online until that evening.
Critical warning: Because of the bankruptcy proceedings, external server providers could force an earlier shutdown without additional notice. The company explicitly stated players should not count on the full period.
After May 9, accounts, progress, and in-game items will become inaccessible. There are no confirmed data export options at this time.
Player Guide: What to Do Before the Clover Games Shutdown
Step 1: Log In and Enjoy Your Remaining Time
Step 2: Request Refunds for Past Purchases
- Google Play Store users: Open the Play Store → tap your profile → Payments & subscriptions → Purchase history → Contact support for each relevant transaction and request a “purchase cancellation/refund.”
- Apple App Store users: Go to reportaproblem.apple.com, sign in, find your Clover Games purchases, and select “Request a refund” or contact Apple Support.
Act quickly—both platforms have time windows for refund eligibility. Gather order numbers and receipts now. Note that refunds are not guaranteed and depend on each store’s policies.
Step 3: Back Up Progress and Community Farewell
CEO Yun Seong-kuk’s Full Statement and Apology
> “It is with profound regret and my deepest apologies that I deliver this deeply painful news… Despite severe financial difficulties, all of our executives and employees joined in cost-cutting efforts… and I personally invested every available personal asset… I deeply reflect upon my own shortcomings… We will never forget the warm hearts and encouragement of everyone who has loved Clover Games.”
He emphasized that the team did everything possible to avoid this outcome and asked for players’ understanding regarding the possible early server cutoff.
Why Clover Games Filed for Bankruptcy: The Bigger Picture
This case is a stark example of how even titles with dedicated fanbases can close when operational costs outpace revenue.
What the Clover Games Bankruptcy Means for Gacha Players in 2026
Community reactions on Reddit’s r/gachagaming and r/lordofheroes show a mix of sadness for lost progress and appreciation for the month-long notice—far better than sudden closures seen in past cases.
Final Thoughts
Our thoughts are with the developers and everyone who supported these games. The mobile gaming landscape moves fast—new titles will emerge, but the memories from these ones will stick around in community archives and player stories.