Ubisoft has recently confirmed that the highly anticipated game XDefiant will face another delay in its release date. Despite this setback, Ubisoft has hinted at an upcoming public playtest for fans to get a taste of the game. Initially set to launch in the first quarter of 2024, the release of XDefiant has been pushed back.
Since its initial announcement over two years ago, XDefiant has encountered multiple delays. Originally slated for a launch in October 2023, various issues within the game led to postponements. Recent reports by insider Tom Henderson suggested that the delays were partly due to XDefiant trying to emulate Call of Duty and incorporate additional features inspired by the successful franchise. However, XDefiant director Mark Rubin refuted these claims, attributing the delays to technical challenges unrelated to CoD-like elements.
In response to these developments, a message from XDefiant's official Twitter account explained that further enhancements need to be tested before the game is deemed ready for release. The post also mentioned that a definitive release date will be announced after the next testing phase of XDefiant. Although the specific date for the upcoming 12-hour public beta has not been disclosed, it is designed to stress test the game's servers and gather crucial data for final adjustments. This beta session will be accessible globally on the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms.
XDefiant Prepares for Another Public Beta Test
Initially, XDefiant garnered significant attention, with its open beta receiving positive feedback from players. Fans appreciated the innovative approach that XDefiant brought to the shooter genre, reminiscent of Call of Duty but with its unique twist. Given the limited competition against Activision's dominant franchise, the anticipation for Ubisoft's game was high. However, delays and a lack of transparency have led to some disappointment among fans.
Rubin previously disclosed that the technical issues plaguing XDefiant were related to netcode and connectivity problems, a statement made in November. The additional delay indicates that resolving these issues took longer than anticipated or new challenges emerged. The exact release window for XDefiant remains unknown, but a potential launch in the second quarter of 2024, ending on June 30, seems plausible unless significant development hurdles arise.
XDefiant introduces a prestige system reminiscent of earlier Call of Duty titles before the shift to seasonal prestiges. Moreover, the game opts out of skill-based matchmaking in non-ranked modes, a feature likely to attract Call of Duty enthusiasts seeking a different multiplayer experience.