Here are my first impressions.
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Before commenting on the news, here’s the reveal trailer.
Well, let’s quickly unpack the game’s esports potential with the information available so far.
[note: the quotes in brackets come from the press release I received by email].
First of all, the first aspect that jumped out at me was that the game will be free-to-play. This removes a major barrier to accessibility and encourages more people to take it up. As long as the monetization is done on cosmetics and not on unlocking stronger abilities by paying (pay to win), the competitive integrity shouldn’t be too much affected by this. I’m putting a damper on things here, because some cosmetics can still have an impact on the game, depending on the situation: confusion linked to a cosmetic that looks like another character or that isn’t easily identifiable, improved camouflage elements, and so on.
The fact that this is an FPS is already something I personally like. Even if there are already many titles fighting to dominate this genre: Valorant, CSGO, Overwatch, Rainbow Six Siege, Call of Duty, and so on. What remains to be seen is Ubisoft’s strategy for the competitive scene.
I’d like to know more about the game modes. “XDefiant will offer a wide variety of game modes to match each player’s play style and allow them to channel their team spirit and competitive drive. Players will be able to choose to play via the game’s most competitive modes such as Team Deathmatch or Domination, or to play via more linear game modes such as Escort mode.” Above all, I’d like to know what justifies 6 vs 6. Having observed it over the years, and on many projects, the more people involved, the harder it is to coordinate a schedule. Unfortunately, the same applies to video game teams. It’s even worse for amateur gamers who want to form teams, because e-sports takes second place to many other priorities. What’s more, I’m surprised that there doesn’t seem to be a mode where players only have one life.
“Personalized play style: Players will be able to customize their Defiants according to their play style. They’ll be able to choose a faction, features, abilities and ultras, then select their weapons from a wide arsenal of primary and secondary weapons. They’ll also be able to choose their accessories as well as a device to complete their equipment, and even modify it during combat (after reappearing on the map) to enable them to adapt to an ever-changing battlefield.” Being able to change weapons mid-game is interesting. Having access to all the weapons can be too, if it’s done right. Ditto for the ultimate system. I really like the fact that he mentions in the press release and interviews that “gun play” is what will be most decisive.
The fact that “crossplay will be available between all these platforms as soon as the game launches” is great… IF console gamers don’t have a damn aim assist.
“Players can go to www.playxdefiant.com and register to be kept up to date with upcoming news about the game.”
Bonus: an interview with the developers:
