XDefiant is shutting down, continuing a tumultuous year for Ubisoft. The company has faced a string of rocky launches, leaving it with the tough decision to shut down XDefiant despite the game not even being a year old. Released back in May, XDefiant brought a free-to-play 6v6 shooter to gamers, but struggled to keep a solid player base. In a genre that is saturated with similar titles, XDefiant was unfortunately unable to stand out in the crowd.
However, despite Ubisoft's recent woes, the shutdown of XDefiant could still open the door for something more promising to be put in its place. A free-to-play 6v6 shooter isn't a bad idea, but the execution may have been off. Instead of a brand-new IP, Ubisoft may find stronger footing with a similar approach by putting such a game under the Far Cry name. A free-to-play Far Cry option would likely fare better in such a crowded space, but it could also be a powerful way to expand the franchise.
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Shutting Down XDefiant Should Pave the Way For a Multiplayer Far Cry Experience
Embracing Far Cry's Past Multiplayer Features
The Far Cry franchise is mostly seen as a single-player experience, but the multiplayer options in the series' entries have harbored passionate followings through the years. Not only that, but the map editors featured within various Far Cry games served as shining points in the tight-knit multiplayer community. A Far Cry game following in the footsteps of other free-to-play multiplayer titles, like Halo Infinite, could provide plenty of sources of inspiration. Halo Infinite's Forge is a map creator that is loved by many, and with Far Cry's history of featuring its own fun-to-use map editors, a full-blown multiplayer project may be well worth Ubisoft's time.
XDefiant's servers will remain online until June 3, 2025.
Going More In-Depth With Far Cry's Multiplayer Capabilities
While Far Cry's multiplayer may have been more niche among its player base, a free-to-play game that embraces these past mechanics would not only satisfy fans of the multiplayer modes, but it could bring in a whole new fan base. There are many gamers out in the world who simply prefer a multiplayer experience. Even if some of them have been intrigued by the lore of Far Cry games, its single-player status can still deter them. However, if Ubisoft were to open the doors of the franchise to hardcore multiplayer fans, the company could possibly have a hit on its hands.
Ubisoft Needs to Rethink Its Strategy Moving Forward
Ubisoft hopefully still has a chance to bounce back from these difficult years. In response to a Ubisoft employee survey, company CEO Yves Guillemot stated, "I want you to know that all my energy is focused on finding the means to guide Ubisoft through these turbulent times."
Leading a company as massive as Ubisoft can't be an easy task, but the past few years of financial failures need to push the company in a different direction. XDefiant not even making it past the one-year mark is a tough pill to swallow, but it's also a further indication of what many gamers may not be interested in. XDefiant lacked the personality that many other games in the genre excel at, and Far Cry already has the unique angle and legacy to make it a stronger name for Ubisoft to market. Speculation about XDefiant's fate has been ongoing since the summer, proving that going back to the drawing board is necessary.
I want you to know that all my energy is focused on finding the means to guide Ubisoft through these turbulent times. -Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot
Despite the uncertainty of Ubisoft's future, there is still a chance for a comeback. The company is working on expanding its own IP, especially Assassin's Creed. Far Cry may not boast the same success as its counterpart, but putting a similar amount of energy into Far Cry, especially with a multiplayer spin-off, may help Ubisoft thrive once again.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 70 /100 Critics Rec: 51%
- Released
- May 21, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft San Francisco
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft
- Engine
- Snowdrop
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS5 & Xbox Series X|S
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.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- FPS
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
