Summary
Ubisoft’s free-to-play first-person shooterXDefiantgets hit with a delay after failing certification for PlayStation and Xbox platforms.XDefiantwas originally planned for a summer 2023 launch, but PlayStation and Xbox require Ubisoft to iron out more bugs and issues before the title can be shipped.
InXDefiant, players have access to a variety of factions and classes with their own set of abilities and weapons. Each of the factions is based on other existing Ubisoft franchises such asthe Phantoms fromGhost Reconand Echelon fromSplinter Cell. Players may choose their faction and engage in gunfights across various 6v6 maps in a near-future United States setting. This past June, Ubisoft launched an XDefiant open beta in order to stress test the title before its summer launch, and a roadmap for the game’s first four seasons was revealed. However, Ubisoft fans will need to wait a while longer beforeXDefiantis officially released due to issues that arose in the certification process.
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Ubisoft published a new blog post by executive producer and director Mark Rubin, revealing thatXDefiantwill receive a delay due to its failure involving PlayStation and Xbox certification. Rubin notes that the certification process began at the end of July, and the development team received a Not Pass in mid-August. According to Rubin,XDefiantdid not pass certification due to compliance and functionality bugs that must be addressed before a successful release on PlayStation and Xbox platforms. Ubisoft will work on remedying functionality bugs to ensure thatXDefiant’sgameplay features and shooting mechanicsare working as intended, and the platform holders will continue working on compliance bugs that relate to system features such as trophies, friend list compatibility, and other platform-specific elements.
Ubisoft worked on fixing the game’s bugs for roughly three to four weeks according to Rubin. The company will submitXDefiantfor certification in one to two weeks. IfXDefiantpasses certification, the game’s release will be scheduled for mid-to-late September 2023. However,XDefiantcould potentially receive a conditional Pass, which would require Ubisoft to develop a day one patch and delay the release to early-to-mid October 2023 instead. Rubin is unable to reveal an exact release date, but Ubisoft plans to sharemore information aboutXDefiantonce it passes certification for PlayStation and Xbox.
It’s clear thatXDefiantstill needs crucial bug fixes before it’s ready to launch, and outlets and players alike shared a similar sentiment during the closed and open beta tests. The extra development time may prove to be beneficial forXDefiant’soverall quality, but a release closer toCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3and other anticipated titles could be detrimental. The chances ofXDefiantoutdoingCall of Dutywill be slim if its launch is overshadowed, lacks compelling features, or suffers from technical problems.
For those wanting to finally playXDefiantin its fully realized form, a release later this month appears to be ideal. This would give gamers more time to become acquainted withXDefiantbefore the fall and holiday seasons arrive with a slew of major game releases across all platforms.
XDefiantis coming soon to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
