XDefiant d’Ubisoft en danger : fin des mises à jour si pas d’amélioration
Ubisoft’s FPS game, XDefiant, faces a critical moment as it approaches Season 3. The game needs to increase its player base and revenue in order to survive in the competitive gaming market, or else it may face the end of post-launch updates, essentially killing the FPS genre. Developed by Ubisoft San Francisco, XDefiant was finally released in May for consoles and PC after a series of delays and a successful beta test. The game received positive reviews and attracted a large number of players at launch, offering a fast-paced arena shooter experience without requiring excessive storage space on consoles.
Struggling Player Base and Publisher’s Ultimatum
However, a few months later, XDefiant is reportedly experiencing a decline in player numbers, causing concern within Ubisoft. Insider Gaming reported on August 30 that Ubisoft executives are beginning to lose confidence in the game. While initially praised for its success and revenue, the game’s shrinking player base and profits have now become a point of dissatisfaction. The success of XDefiant is being closely monitored, with the game having until Season 3, likely arriving in November, to make significant improvements. Failure to do so could result in Ubisoft discontinuing support for the game, including updates and new content.
Studio Turmoil and Uncertain Future
Amidst the low player count and mounting pressure from Ubisoft, concerns have risen within Ubisoft San Francisco about potential layoffs. Following layoffs in the studio earlier this month, employees have expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership and workplace environment. Reports from Insider Gaming in March suggested that a small group within the studio, known as “The Boys Club,” made detrimental decisions, favored certain individuals, and mistreated staff, leading to multiple delays in the game’s development. The focus now is on Season 3 as a last-ditch effort to salvage XDefiant, although concerns remain high as Black Ops 6 is set to launch around the same time, potentially overshadowing XDefiant’s resurgence.
With an uncertain future looming for both the game and the studio, expectations of further layoffs within Ubisoft San Francisco within the next six months persist. The fate of XDefiant now rests on the upcoming Season 3, presenting a make-or-break moment for Ubisoft’s ambitious FPS project.
Source : kotaku.com
