Mark Rubin, an executive producer for XDefiant, addressed the negative feedback from players regarding the free-to-play shooter's bugs, suggesting that those who can't tolerate the game's current technical issues "can move on." Despite a strong start for Ubisoft's latest live service title, its launch has not been free from criticism. Rubin's comments indicate that resolving some of XDefiant's problems, particularly bugs and glitches, may take time.
XDefiant had a tumultuous journey to release. Initially unveiled in 2021 as Tom Clancy's XDefiant, the game's early marketing showcased a colorful, punk rock-inspired spin on the traditional, class-based military shooter. Fans reacted negatively to the drastic departure from the Tom Clancy aesthetic, leading Ubisoft to drop the Clancy branding and re-reveal the game in March 2022, positioning it as a competitor to Call of Duty. After several delays, XDefiant finally launched in May 2024, achieving record-breaking player numbers and commercial success despite its initial bad press.
While XDefiant has maintained a high concurrent player count across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it has received mixed reviews from fans, some of whom believe the game feels rushed. Among the primary concerns are technical issues, such as hit registration problems and various bugs. Addressing these complaints, Mark Rubin explained on Twitter that the game's technical challenges stem from the Snowdrop engine, which had to be restructured to support a first-person shooter.
"We are working on developing all-new tech in an engine that was designed for something else," Rubin said. "What we have is an engine that has only ever been an MMO. And so all of the infrastructure for an FPS has had to be built up from the ground floor. . . The Snowdrop engine is 'really great,' but requires 'a lot of work,' which results in 'a lot of bugs.'" Rubin encouraged players who like the game's direction to stay patient and expect improvements and new features over time. However, he also acknowledged that those dissatisfied with the current state of the game are free to move on.
Rubin's candid response may frustrate fans eager for quick fixes but could be appreciated by others who value transparency. While XDefiant continues to rank high in player charts, Ubisoft will likely prioritize addressing the game's technical issues to maintain interest and player engagement.