Ubisoft's XDefiant has quickly become a fan-favorite among players and viewers alike, and it seems that the studio is gearing up for even more exciting developments in the near future. With approximately 1.5 million players already diving into the game's frenetic gun battles during previous betas, the upcoming open betas promise to be just as thrilling, offering even more gamers the chance to experience the action-packed gameplay for themselves.
Originally announced in July 2021, XDefiant is a free-to-play multiplayer shooter that pits players against each other in various game modes, with factions based on popular franchises like Far Cry and Splinter Cell. While the game was initially intended to fall under Ubisoft's Tom Clancy banner, the decision was later made to expand the reach of the game by incorporating other franchises into its content. After an initial closed insider test in 2021, the first closed beta featuring several Twitch streamers showing off the game took place in April 2023, with more exciting developments on the horizon for the game's full release later in the same year.
An "Open Session" is scheduled in June as part of the Ubisoft Forward 2023 event, providing an opportunity for the general audience to experience the upcoming shooter game before its official launch in 2023. The session will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, and will take place from June 21 to June 24, starting at 1 PM EST/10 AM PST and ending at 2 PM EST/11 AM PST.
Following the Open Session, XDefiant's final release date will be announced, which will be accompanied by a six-week "preseason" showcasing all the content from the betas and Session. After this, the game will transition into a three-month seasonal model, featuring the addition of a new faction, three weapons, and three maps, as well as seasonal events. The upcoming factions, similar to the launch factions of Libertad and DedSec, will be based on Ubisoft's own IPs.
XDefiant has already made a positive impact on players, as evidenced by its popularity during the last closed beta. In fact, the game was one of the most streamed titles on Twitch in April 2023, surpassing the likes of Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2 streams. While it remains to be seen whether XDefiant will become a hit and stand out in a crowded multiplayer shooter space, only time will tell.
XDefiant is currently in development for Amazon Luna, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Ubisoft