Ubisoft’s upcoming multiplayer shooterXDefianthas proven to be a hit with players and viewers, and it appears the studio isn’t going to slow down with news on its next open betas and what is in store for the game’s full release later in 2023. The game’s previous betas has seen roughly 1.5 million players jump into its chaotic gunplay, pitting factions fromUbisoft’s biggest franchisesagainst each other in team-driven multiplayer matches. It is set to continue into the summer with additional open betas, giving more players the chance to experience what they have only been able to watch on Twitch to this point.
XDefiantwas originally announced in July 2021, where it was revealed to be a free-to-play multiplayer shooter pitting players against each other in various game modes as factions based on series such asFar CryandSplinter Cell. The game was initially to fall under Ubisoft’s Tom Clancy banner, but this was later dropped to allow for the use of other franchises to produce additional content. An initial closed insider test took place in 2021 and a second wouldn’t happen until 2023, which saw the first closed beta take place involving several Twitch streamers showcasing the game in April 2023.
RELATED:Ubisoft’s XDefiant Game Seemingly Drops Tom Clancy’s Name from Title
Additional information about the game’s immediate future and launch plans were shared as part of theUbisoft Forward 2023event. As of this writing, an “Open Session” will be taking place in June to allow general audiences to get hands-on with the shooter in the lead-up to its full release later in 2023. The session will begin at 1 PM EST/10 AM PST on Wednesday, June 21, and will end at 2 PM EST/11 AM PST on Saturday, June 24, and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
XDefiant’s final release date will be revealed shortly after the Open Session, and will be preceded by a six-week “preseason” which will feature all the content available during the betas and Session. The game will then shift into a three-month seasonal model where players can expect a new faction, three weapons, and three maps to be added along with seasonal events. As with the launch factions, the new factions will be inspired by Ubisoft’s own IPs such as the launch factions of Libertad andDedSec.
While it remains to be seen the full impactXDefiantwill have, the game has already made a positive impression on players following the last closed beta. The April 2023 beta was among Twitch’s most popular titles streamed that month, even outperformingModern Warfare 2andWarzone 2streams. Only time will tell if this proves to be a hit and if Ubisoft’s multiplayer shooter can carve out a spot for itself in an already crowded space.
XDefiantis currently in development for Amazon Luna, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
