After rumors surfaced of a potential shutdown for Ubisoft’s free-to-play shooter XDefiant, the game’s executive producer, Mark Rubin, says the leak is not true and that Year 2 content is still being planned.
The most recent rumor of XDefiant’s suggested turmoil comes from known leaker Shaun Weber, who posted a tweet claiming that the game is “already dead.” Weber elaborated by saying, “Ubisoft research team is actively asking their tester to have another in-house test session and give/repeat their feedback. Multiple sources said that it’s possible that the game will end its support after Season 4 if they can’t get enough players.”
XDefiant’s Mark Rubin has responded to refute the claims by tweeting, “To be crystal clear there are NO plans to shut down after Season 4. I’ve literally been in meetings as of last week to discuss our Year 2 plans.”
To be crystal clear there are NO plans to shut down after season 4. I’ve literally been in meetings as of last week to discuss our Year 2 plans. But, right now we are super focused on improving the technical experience (which includes netcode) and adding more content for Seasons…
— Mark Rubin (@PixelsofMark) October 15, 2024
The producer says the team is super focused on improving the technical experience (which includes the game’s netcode) and adding more content for the third and fourth seasons of XDefiant.
Rubin also says that the game’s numbers are down because “very little marketing” has been done, but that move was intentional to give the developer the time to get XDefiant in a better place before doing bigger spends on marketing, which will ultimately be used to bring in new players as well as bring back those who have left.
Regardless of the player count and any potential struggles, the developer continues to make improvements to the game. XDefiant’s most recent patch arrived on October 8, which includes adjustments to various Faction types, faster progression through levels in Ranked Play, and more.
The full roadmap for XDefiant Year 1 can be found here.
