Is the “CoD killer” living up to its reputation?

XDefiant is Ubisoft's newest entry into the first-person shooter (FPS) genre. This free-to-play title offers high-paced gameplay, weapons, skins, and more. The initial positive reception prompted FPS fans to flock to the game. Many even believed it would be a "Call of Duty killer." XDefiant has officially passed its one-month anniversary, and many are wondering how many people are playing it. Here is the answer.

How many people are playing XDefiant? Answered

Ubisoft has remained mostly tight-lipped regarding XDefiant's success. However, in a recent interview published by the developer, CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed that XDefiant has attracted 11 million players since its launch.

"Let's look at XDefiant. There's a lot of work to do, but it was able to attract 11 million players in a short time. And that number will increase with all the work done by the team to ensure Season One brings a lot more to the existing experience. It's about making the right choices and sticking to them."

Yves Guillemot via Ubisoft.com

This number is impressive, considering XDefiant is an original title that's been in development since 2021. Many on-lookers questioned whether it would ever launch. Once it did, it became an instant hit. 11 million players in just over one month, considering season one hasn't even launched yet, is a solid turnout.

What's on the horizon for XDefiant?

The developers have a lot in store for XDefiant players. Season 1 is due to arrive on July 1, and it will include a new Battle Pass, Faction, maps, modes, and weapons. These new features will likely increase the number of people playing XDefiant. Furthermore, Ubisoft's CEO further clarified the studio's hopes for the game's future.

"Well, outside of it being continually updated, with different experiences and optimized gameplay, I'd love to see it as a serious esport. But really, for a game like this, there's no limit to its future. And we've got a fantastic team on it, who are listening to our players and communicating with them, which is so crucial. We've started off strong, but there's still a long way to go, and I'm excited for us to step up to the challenge."

Yves Guillemot via Ubisoft.com

Since the initial XDefiant announcement, many competitive gamers have hoped for an esports scene. It's reassuring to hear Guillemot specifically reference this possibility, which we anticipate will happen soon. As he mentioned, there is no limit to a live service game like XDefiant, and if the developers handle it correctly, the number of players should increase over time.

Check back here for updates after the release of XDefiant Season One and everything it offers!

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