Summary
Mark Rubin, one ofXDefiant’s executive producers, has commented on the negative feedback from gamers regarding the free-to-play shooter’s bugs, suggesting that players “can move on” if they can’t deal with the game’s current technical state. Ubisoft’s latest live service title has gone off to a surprisingly strong start so far, but its launch certainly hasn’t been devoid of criticism. Judging from Rubin’s statements, it appears that it may take some time for some ofXDefiant’s problems to be fixed, especially on the bugs and glitches front.
Ubisoft’sXDefianthad a rocky road leading up to its release.Initially unveiled in 2021 asTom Clancy’s XDefiant, early marketing for the game presented a colorful, punk rock-inspired take on the traditional, class-based military shooter. The response from fans at the time was widely negative, due to how farXDefiant’s aesthetic strayed from past works in theTom Clancyuniverse. Eventually, Ubisoft dropped theClancybranding entirely and re-revealed the game in March 2022, this time advertising it as more of a competitor toCall of Duty. A handful of delays later, the French publisher finally releasedXDefiantin May 2024. Despite its initial bad press, the game was met with record-breaking player numbers and commercial success upon launch.
XDefiant’s high concurrent player count across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC hasn’t exactly translated into widespread critical acclaim, as the F2P shooter has received a fairly mixed reception from fans so far, with some accusing it of being a rushed product. Headlining some gamers' disappointment with the title is its somewhat shaky technical state, as players have reported experiencingfrustrating hit registration issues inXDefiant, among many other bugs. These complaints prompted a response fromXDefiantproducerMark Rubin, who explained on Twitter the reason for the title’s technical difficulties, pointing out how the Snowdrop engine the game’s running on had to be restructured from the ground up to suit a first-person shooter.
XDefiant Producer Tells Fans That They Can Move On From the Game if It Isn’t for Them
“What we have is an engine that has only ever been an MMO. And so all of the infrastructure for an FPS has had to be built up from the ground floor. . . We are working on developing all-new tech in an engine that was designed for something else.” Rubin went on to state that, although the Snowdrop engine is “really great,” it requires “a lot of work,” which results in “a lot of bugs.“TheXDefiantproducerthen added, “If you like what we are trying to do, stick around, and you’ll see things improve and new features get added. But if the game isn’t for you, that’s ok, you can move on.”
If you like what we are trying to do, stick around, and you’ll see things improve and new features get added. But if the game isn’t for you, that’s ok, you may move on.
Rubin’s response might frustrate fans who want to seeXDefiant’s bugs get patched out as fast as possible. Some players, on the other hand, may appreciate the developer’s frank explanation of the matter. Regardless, whileXDefiantis still ranking high in player charts, Ubisoft will probably seek to fix some of the free-to-play shooter’s technical issues before interest in the game starts to wane.
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.
