Ubisoft’s free-to-play shooter XDefiant is exiting the gaming arena in June 2025, barely a year after its release. The game, which aimed to blend elements of Call of Duty and Overwatch, failed to carve out its niche in the crowded first-person shooter market. Ubisoft explained their decision in a blog post on their website.
XDefiant’s journey was rocky from the start. Despite attracting nearly a million players at launch, it quickly lost steam. The game’s timing couldn’t have been worse, coinciding with Call of Duty’s resurgence, and leaving little room for a new contender.
Gameplay issues plagued XDefiant from day one. Players criticized its poor netcode, unbalanced hero abilities, and the controversial decision to exclude skill-based matchmaking. This last choice, meant to set the game apart, backfired by driving away casual players who found themselves constantly outgunned by more experienced opponents.
Dear Players,
— XDefiant (@PlayXDefiant) December 3, 2024
Important message: XDEFIANT IS SUNSETTING!
Thank you for your incredible support and dedication to XDEFIANT. We regret to inform you that we are initiating the sunset process starting today, December 3, 2024.
As a result, new downloads, player registrations and… pic.twitter.com/h0kXRowL5T
Marketing missteps didn’t help XDefiant’s cause. Ubisoft’s decision to keep the game off Steam limited its exposure on PC. The company also leaned too heavily on positioning XDefiant as a Call of Duty alternative, rather than highlighting its unique features.
Community feedback was harsh but telling. Many players found the game’s reliance on lesser-known Ubisoft IPs confusing, and the required use of Ubisoft Connect was seen as an unnecessary hurdle. One player summed it up bluntly: “The decision was easy” when choosing between XDefiant and Call of Duty.
The shutdown of XDefiant shows the tough spot the gaming industry is in. New multiplayer shooters have a hard time competing with giants like Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Apex Legends. Players are getting cautious about spending time on new games that might disappear quickly, creating a loop of low player numbers and early closures.
For Ubisoft, this is another roadblock in a batch of recent problems. The company has faced mixed receptions for its games and canceled several projects. With money worries growing, all eyes are on its upcoming releases.
