Ubisoft’s latest multiplayer shooter XDefiant is facing yet another delay following results of a public test session, which reportedly revealed “inconsistencies” with the game’s core functions.
The French developer took to its official account on X (formerly Twitter) to announce the delay, thanking the participants in the public test session for their feedback and patience as it works to address the game’s reportedly numerous issues. This comes after the title previously failed the approval process for an early access release on consoles due to internal issues with the game’s mechanics and performance, making platforms like PlayStation deny it an official release at the time.
Ubisoft announced XDefiant back in 2021 as a major competitor in the competitive first-person-shooter genre to take on the likes of Call of Duty and Battlefield with unique mechanics and hand-crafted multiplayer maps and game modes. The game would bring several factions from Ubisoft’s various other titles, such as The Division, Watch Dogs and Splinter Cell together in objective-based competitive game modes.
Since announcing its release date of Oct. 2023 earlier this year, however, the game has faced several major delays due to development issues or overbearing bugs that hindered performance or gameplay elements. While each delay resulted in more disappointment from fans looking forward to the game, many have praised to its gunplay, multiplayer maps and overall gameplay loop, hailing the title as a potential major rival for Call of Duty.
However, this most recent delay has soured many fans on the game entirely, with some taking to social media to express their concerns about the game’s development and their frustration toward the numerous setback. Despite this, the game retains strong public interest, with many still looking forward to its eventual release, regardless of its development hurdles.
Ubisoft has not confirmed a potential new release window for XDefiant as of now, though its announcement promises new information to come on its social media accounts when the game’s development progresses further. Nonetheless, with a new Call of Duty close on the horizon this month, Ubisoft will face head-on competition with the best-selling multiplayer franchise of all time if it proceeds with a 2023 release.
XDefiant is currently in development, with several open beta and test periods available for players to check out the game ahead of launch and determine its quality. Ubisoft has not revealed any plans for further test periods at this time.
Source: X (formerly Twitter)
