Ubisoft has stepped into the FPS arena with a fresh offering, XDefiant, a free-to-play first-person shooter. The game’s closed beta has generated significant buzz, attracting players with its engaging blend of various Ubisoft game franchises. Though skepticism surrounded the game initially, the closed beta has successfully swayed opinions, revealing a promising future for XDefiant.
Initially perceived as a trend-chasing attempt by Ubisoft, XDefiant has undergone a remarkable transformation since its first unveiling. After spending considerable time refining the game behind the scenes and rebranding it, Ubisoft has created a multiplayer crossover shooter that generates a lot of hype.
Ubisoft crafted XDefiant to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the golden days of Call of Duty in the 2000s while incorporating contemporary gameplay features. This fast-paced arcade shooter combines the thrill of classic arena shooters with modern elements like class-specific abilities and highly customizable weapons. Its core shooting mechanics and matchmaking approach have struck a chord with players, who appreciate the absence of skill-based matchmaking.
XDefiant’s emergence comes as the Call of Duty franchise navigates controversies surrounding its deviation from traditional gameplay and the inclusion of paid cosmetic items that grant players an advantage. Robert Bowling, a former Infinity Ward developer, has publicly lauded XDefiant for refining what Call of Duty once represented.
Oh come on.@PlayXDefiant is legit.
It’s not a knock off what what COD is, it’s a refinement of what Call of Duty WAS.
COD made a choice to move away from it’s roots and origins, it’s expanded to be an “everything shooter”.
XDefiant knows what it is and does it well. https://t.co/IDNSyXZDWH
— Robert Bowling (@fourzerotwo) April 15, 2023
While the FPS market is highly competitive, XDefiant’s positive community reception bodes well for its future. If Ubisoft can maintain this momentum and meet players’ expectations, XDefiant could carve out a space for itself as a formidable contender in the FPS landscape.
