Ubisoft’s free-to-play shooter XDefiant delayed due to console certification issues

Console Games, PC Games

XDefiant Delayed Until October Due to Certification Issues

XDefiant, the free-to-play shooter from Ubisoft inspired by the Tom Clancy universe, has been pushed back from its original summer release window. The game is now expected to launch in October, with Ubisoft blaming certification problems on Xbox and PlayStation consoles for the delay.

What is XDefiant?

XDefiant is an exciting 6v6 multiplayer game that combines elements from popular Tom Clancy franchises such as Splinter Cell, Ghost Recon, and The Division. Initially announced as Tom Clancy’s XDefiant, the game dropped its prefix in 2021. Throughout its development, XDefiant has undergone several closed Insider tests and open sessions, building anticipation for its full release on PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

The Certification Process Delay

Mark Rubin, the executive producer of XDefiant, addressed the game’s delayed release in a post on Ubisoft’s website. He attributed the ongoing lack of a release date to complications arising during the certification processes of Microsoft and Sony for their respective consoles. Rubin explained that the initial results received in mid-August were not passable, requiring more work related to compliance than initially anticipated. The team has been dedicating the past few weeks to fixing these issues and preparing for another submission.

XDefiant community reactions trailer.

Possible Release Scenarios

Rubin highlighted a few potential outcomes once XDefiant is resubmitted within the next two weeks. If the game “Passes cleanly,” it could see a mid-to-end of September release. However, if it receives a “likely…conditional Pass,” a Day 1 patch will be necessary to address final compliance fixes. In this case, XDefiant’s release would be postponed until early/mid-October.

Expressing Gratitude and Anticipation

In closing, Rubin expressed his gratitude to everyone who has accompanied the XDefiant team on this journey. He emphasized their excitement to go live and share their passion for the game with players. Rubin concluded by saying, “Hope to see you all soon in the game!”