Summary
Ubisoft has made an official statement revealing how microtransactions will work inXDefiant. With thelaunch ofXDefiantcoming soon, Ubisoft is eager to quell any concerns fans may have about the upcoming free-to-play multiplayer shooter.
XDefiantis a class-based shooter representing Ubisoft’s attempts to enter the free-to-play live-service genre. The game, originally titledTom Clancy’s XDefiant,has been in the works since 2021 and faced a turbulent start as little more was announced regarding the title. “Tom Clancy” was eventually dropped from the name as a way to make it clear thatXDefiantwas growing beyond the world ofTom Clancyand pulling characters and factions from other franchises under Ubisoft’s belt, such asWatch_DogsandFar Cry 6. In more recent times,XDefianthas been hit with a series of delays, owing to a variety of reasons that to some seemed to portent an unfortunate precedent for the game before it was even out.
WithXDefiant’s preseason set to launch soon, Ubisoft has posted a statement on its website stating thatXDefiantwill not contain any pay-to-win features. Any feature that would impact gameplay that can be purchased can also be earned just through playing the game. While microtransactions for customization items will be present, as customization will be “key” to theXDefiantexperience, players can also choose to unlock content by completing matches and challenges, meaning that even losing games can net players rewards. Ubisoft ultimately wants to reward the time being put into the game by giving something back to gamers through free Battle Pass rewards, Daily & Weekly challenges, weapon mastery, and community participation rewards such as Twitch drops and in-game events. Gamers who wish to spend money on a weapon skin they enjoy or the Premium Battle Pass will be able to do so, but it will not confer a mechanical advantage to them.
Ubisoft Claims XDefiant Will Include No Pay-To-Win Mechanics
Microtransactions are in many corners of the contemporary gaming industry, and a frequent source of contention within it. Yet, as time goes on, they only become more and more popular. Their effectiveness is apparent, however, as reports have shown thatUbisoft earned more from microtransactions than digital game salesin the past.XDefiantwill naturally include microtransactions, as being a free-to-play title, it needs to draw in revenue, but Ubisoft has boldly pledged that any microtransactions forXDefiantthat could offer any mechanical differences will be achievable through playing the game itself, with the primary focus of the unlocks & in-game purchases being:
Ubisoft closes this statement with a promise that it will listen to feedback and constantly evaluate the state of the game to deliver a “fair and engaging” experience for the players. The multiplayer FPS genre is already dominated by a lot of powerhouses, and it’s clear Ubisoft is handlingXDefiantwith respect and care following a rocky start. Its approach isn’t too surprising, considering it is believed thatXDefiantcould be Ubisoft’s answer to finally challenge theFPS behemoth that isCall of Duty. Only time will be able to tell if this is the case, as the preseason forXDefiantstarts on May 21 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
XDefiant
XDefiant is a free-to-play, first-person online arena shooter where you compete in fast-paced clashes. With cross-play available at launch, you will be able to play with friends on a variety of platforms.Season 1 introduces the Team Rainbow operators of GS-Kommando leveraging their counter-terrorism training to disrupt their enemies. They can deploy electrified barbed wire for area denial, counter incoming enemy devices with their Active Defense System, and dazzle multiple foes with flash charges mounted on their G52-Tactical Shield.While GS-Kommando operators pride themselves on using non-lethal force whenever possible, they are as capable on the battlefield as any spec ops group.Customized Loadouts: Choose from a large arsenal of weapons, attachments, and devices to optimize the way you play. Combine any weapon with any faction, and unlock new options as you play to perfect your playstyle.Factions: Factions are drawn from iconic Ubisoft worlds and represent distinct classes, each with unique abilities and ultras. Choose any character from any faction to assemble your team of six players. Change your faction at any point during play to adapt to your strategy.Maps, Modes, and Mayhem: Play in a diverse range of 14 maps at launch across several different arena and linear modes including Zone Control, Escort, Occupy, and more. Fight in casual matches or climb the tiers in competitive ranked mode.
