Just over a month after its release, Ubisoft’s free-to-play first-person shooter, XDefiant, is already stirring excitement within the gaming community and among its developers. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot recently shared his thoughts on the game’s potential, revealing high hopes for its future in the competitive gaming scene.
A Promising Start
In a recent interview, Guillemot discussed several upcoming titles, including Assassin’s Creed: Shadows and Star Wars Outlaws. However, XDefiant, the Tom Clancy-inspired FPS, was a central topic. Guillemot expressed optimism about the game’s future, emphasizing the company’s commitment to continuous updates and player engagement.
“Outside of it being continually updated, with different experiences and optimized gameplay, I’d love to see it as a serious esport,” said Guillemot.
“But really, for a game like this, there’s no limit to its future. And we’ve got a fantastic team on it, who are listening to our players, and communicating with them, which is so crucial. We’ve started off strong, but there’s still a long way to go, and I’m excited for us to step up to the challenge,” finished.
Building a Competitive Edge
Ubisoft has struggled to capture significant success in the competitive gaming space beyond Rainbow Six Siege. The company is now banking on XDefiant to carve out a niche in the esports arena. The development team includes several former Call of Duty professionals, bringing valuable experience and insights to the table.
Games as a Service (GaaS) Model
Guillemot also touched on the importance of the Games as a Service (GaaS) model, which XDefiant follows. The game is free to play but supports itself through seasonal content and cosmetic purchases. This model has proven successful for other games, and Guillemot sees it as a key to XDefiant’s long-term success.
“We need to continue to listen closely to our players and make well-informed decisions on where to focus our efforts because if you succeed at GaaS, you can succeed for the long-term,” Guillemot explained.
“Let’s look at XDefiant. There’s a lot of work to do, but it was able to attract 11 million players in a short time. And that number will increase with all the work done by the team to ensure season one brings a lot more to the existing experience. It’s about making the right choices and sticking to them.”
Season One: What to Expect
XDefiant’s first season is set to launch on July 2, bringing a host of new content. Players can look forward to a new faction inspired by Rainbow Six, additional weapons, maps, and more. This update aims to enhance the gaming experience and attract even more players to the burgeoning community.
Conclusion
XDefiant’s promising start, combined with Ubisoft’s strategic focus and experienced development team, positions it well for a potential rise in the esports world.
As the game continues to evolve and engage its player base, it could very well become the next big thing in competitive gaming. With season one on the horizon, all eyes are on XDefiant to see how it will perform and grow in the coming months.