‘XDefiant’ Launches Today, Takes on ‘Call of Duty

Today marks the release of Ubisoft’s highly anticipated arcade first-person shooter (FPS), XDefiant, on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Ubisoft Connect (though notably, it’s not available on Steam for now). This launch is significant as it’s one of the few FPS games in recent times to directly challenge Activision’s juggernaut, Call of Duty.

XDefiant and Call of Duty share similar gameplay mechanics, but Ubisoft’s shooter introduces a key difference: the absence of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in casual games. SBMM, a controversial feature in Call of Duty and other shooters, aims to keep matches competitive by pairing players of similar skill levels. However, many players argue that prioritizing ping over skill levels results in more enjoyable matches.

Having participated in several pre-release betas and server tests for XDefiant, I have mixed feelings. As a long-time Call of Duty fan, I’m generally less critical of SBMM than many in the gaming community. Common online criticisms of modern Call of Duty games, which I find somewhat exaggerated, include:

• “There hasn’t been a good Call of Duty since [insert Call of Duty game here]”: This complaint often comes from those who haven’t engaged with the franchise recently.
• “The game is just trying to be Fortnite now”: This is due to the inclusion of skins and a Battle Pass. I fail to see why this is worse than the paid map packs that divided the player base.
• “Modern Warfare III is just overpriced DLC”: Despite featuring new guns, a revamped perk system, new maps, and refined gameplay mechanics, some fans still dismiss it.

Many fans seem nostalgic, longing for older titles that they associate with personal milestones rather than objective gameplay quality. If you revisit older Call of Duty titles, they often feel less polished compared to the current games. The perception of them being better is often tied to the time and context in which they were played, rather than their actual quality. This nostalgia also fuels disdain for SBMM, as the gaming landscape has evolved with more skilled players over the years. Consequently, matches feel more intense, leading to frustrations that SBMM exacerbates.

Despite this, I believe XDefiant will be a fascinating addition to the FPS genre. While it might not dethrone Call of Duty, it introduces healthy competition and offers an alternative for players seeking a change. The timing of its release is also strategic, coinciding with the end of Modern Warfare III/Warzone’s Season 3 and just before the launch of Season 4. This window gives XDefiant a chance to attract Call of Duty players looking for something new.

Ultimately, XDefiant’s success will depend on its ability to deliver engaging gameplay and sustain a dedicated player base. The absence of SBMM in casual matches may appeal to those tired of overly competitive lobbies, though it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the game’s long-term appeal. The game’s performance in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether it can carve out a niche in a market dominated by established titles like Call of Duty.