Following rumors about a potential shutdown for Ubisoft's free-to-play shooter XDefiant, the game's executive producer, Mark Rubin, has clarified that the leak is unfounded and that plans for Year 2 content are still in motion.
The latest speculation about XDefiant's supposed turmoil originated from a tweet by known leaker Shaun Weber, who claimed the game is "already dead." Weber further explained that Ubisoft's research team is requesting additional feedback from testers, suggesting that support for the game might end after Season 4 if player numbers do not improve.
In response, Mark Rubin took to Twitter to debunk these claims, stating, "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." Rubin emphasized that the team is dedicated to enhancing the technical aspects of the game, including its netcode, and is planning to introduce more content for the third and fourth seasons.
Rubin also noted that the game's player numbers have decreased due to minimal marketing efforts, a strategy intended to allow the developer time to refine XDefiant before launching more extensive marketing campaigns. These efforts aim to attract new players and re-engage those who have left.
Despite any challenges, the developer continues to make improvements. XDefiant's latest patch, released on October 8, includes adjustments to various Faction types, faster progression in Ranked Play, and additional enhancements.
The complete roadmap for XDefiant Year 1 can be found here.
