Despite a visitor problem, Ubisoft’s latest free game is far from dead and hasn’t said its last word yet. Here’s what we can say and discover.
XDefiantUbisoft’s free multiplayer shooter is at the center of discussions. After a promising launch last May, the number of active players quickly dropped. In light of the community’s concerns, Ubisoft responded by publishing a detailed roadmap for the game’s first year. The goal? Reassure players and show the XDefiant is far from being given up. Still dead.
A great start, but a rapid decline for this Ubisoft game
When it was published, XDefiant made a remarkable appearance. The game quickly rose up the charts and became one of Ubisoft’s best-performing titles upon release. Free and available on multiple platforms, it had everything the heart could desire. But like many multiplayer games, the initial excitement was short-lived. In just a few months, the number of active players has dropped significantly. The game’s visibility has also waned on streaming platforms.
Ubisoft reacts and calms
Faced with these worrying signals, Ubisoft has stepped in to clarify the situation. Mark Rubin, one of the main leaders of the project, posted a message on the game’s official blog to address the rumors. He puts it bluntly: “The game absolutely does not die“.
However, Rubin acknowledges that improvements are needed, especially in technical points such as netcode (which affects the fluidity of online games) and “hitreg” (which affects the accuracy of shots in the game). These elements have been widely criticized by players and Ubisoft promises to make corrections.
An ambitious roadmap to maintain interest
Ubisoft is not satisfied with technical promises. The company also announced the roadmap for the first year XDefiantwhich is planning numerous content additions to keep players engaged. Three new seasons are already planned, with additional maps, new game modes, and improved progression systems.
The challenge for Ubisoft now is to stabilize the player base. Given the fierce competition in the world of multiplayer shooter games XDefiant needs to stand out to stay relevant. Despite its best efforts, the game is facing a decline in player numbers and a drop in interest on streaming platforms. The roadmap and promised improvements are an important step, but it remains to be seen if they are enough to reignite interest in the game.
Source: Ubisoft
