Summary
XDefiantexecutive producer Mark Rubin acknowledges the current state of the game and addresses the current shutdown rumors by denying that there are plans to pull the plug after season 4 and offering players some good news. After multiple delays and launching likely later than the team at Ubisoft San Francisco would have liked,XDefiantquickly became a major hit during the initial beta tests and upon its release back in May.
However, things have cooled off a bit in the months since, withXDefiantstruggling to hold on to players due to technical issues and missing content. Ubisoft has continued to plug away on the game,releasing new seasonal content forXDefiantas well as consistent updates and bug fixes. In fact, the game’s executive producer, Mark Rubin, formerly of the Call of Duty franchise under Activision, has continued to be transparent with players through social media, taking feedback and revealing upcoming features and fixes as they near completion. With so many rumors constantly swirling aroundXDefiantthese days, Rubin took to social media to once again address the game’s future.
With declining player numbers,rumors indicated thatXDefiant’s future was largely in doubtand that season 4 would be its last before being shut down completely. However, Mark Rubin again took to social media to address the rumors once more, confirming that Ubisoft has no plans to shut downXDefiantat the end of Season 4. Rubin also acknowledged that player numbers are down, but attributed that more to the technical problems and the lack of marketing, things which the team plans to address onceXDefiantgets to a better place. There’s hope that the new content and stronger marketing will not only draw new players, but bring back those who may have left already.
XDefiant Team Planning For the Long Term
Rubin’s statement also clued fans in on Ubisoft’s overall plan forXDefiant, admitting that meetings are being held to discuss Year 2 DLC plans, clearly indicating the company’s continued commitment to the online shooter. The admission, as well as the previouscontent roadmap update for futureXDefiantcontent should give fans some hope that the game won’t be going anywhere, anytime soon.
In fact, if previouscontent leaks forXDefiantare to be believed, Ubisoft certainly appears to have plenty of things planned beyond the next few seasons. Already, fans have seenRainbow Six Siege’s GSG-9 and The Highwaymen fromFar Cry: New Dawnarrive inXDefiant, though even more Ubisoft factions and characters are on the way, according to recent leaks. If true,XDefiantcould be seeing future additions of Ghosts fromGhost Recon: Breakpoint, the Brotherhood of Assassin’s affiliated with theAssassin’s Creedfranchise, and even some off the wall additions like the Raving Rabbids andThe Crewfranchise, Ubisoft’s popular racing series.
XDefiant
XDefiant is a free-to-play, first-person online arena shooter where you compete in fast-paced clashes. With cross-play available at launch, you will be able to play with friends on a variety of platforms.Season 1 introduces the Team Rainbow operators of GS-Kommando leveraging their counter-terrorism training to disrupt their enemies. They can deploy electrified barbed wire for area denial, counter incoming enemy devices with their Active Defense System, and dazzle multiple foes with flash charges mounted on their G52-Tactical Shield.While GS-Kommando operators pride themselves on using non-lethal force whenever possible, they are as capable on the battlefield as any spec ops group.Customized Loadouts: Choose from a large arsenal of weapons, attachments, and devices to optimize the way you play. Combine any weapon with any faction, and unlock new options as you play to perfect your playstyle.Factions: Factions are drawn from iconic Ubisoft worlds and represent distinct classes, each with unique abilities and ultras. Choose any character from any faction to assemble your team of six players. Change your faction at any point during play to adapt to your strategy.Maps, Modes, and Mayhem: Play in a diverse range of 14 maps at launch across several different arena and linear modes including Zone Control, Escort, Occupy, and more. Fight in casual matches or climb the tiers in competitive ranked mode.
