Ubisoft has delayed XDefiant indefinitely after a series of playtests unearthed issues the development team wants to work to improve before launch. Ubisoft had hoped to release the game in October.
A recent Public Test Session (PTS) revealed “inconsistencies” in the game experience that need to be addressed prior to the release of XDefiant’s preseason, a statement published to Twitter read.
An update on XDefiant- pic.twitter.com/3orSnspmp6
— XDefiant (@PlayXDefiant) October 9, 2023
XDefiant is Ubisoft’s answer to Call of Duty, and taps into nostalgia for the classic Call of Duty feel. It focuses on fast-paced gunplay and objective-driven modes, and has features such as a classic mini-map and lobbies that stay together after a match.
XDefiant is in the works at Ubisoft San Francisco, with Mark Rubin as director and executive producer. Rubin was executive producer at Infinity Ward until 2015, working on a long list of Call of Duty games including the Modern Warfare series.
In a statement published to Twitter, Rubin went into more detail on how feedback to the PTS is improving the game. Apparently movement was “feeling off” for some people, with the slide feeling “nerfed or clunkier”. The developers the slide was being interrupted by frame spikes.
“I know it’s a bummer that we are moving the date especially since we seemed so close and that for many the game is great and they can’t wait to play but I’d rather ship a game that is better for everyone,” Rubin said. “Our intent for this game is to be something that players can return to for many years and to do that we have to build this game with the community.”
— Mark Rubin (@PixelsofMark) October 9, 2023
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.