Home XDefiant servers run into big matchmaking problems on launch day

XDefiant servers run into big matchmaking problems on launch day

tl;dr

  • Ubisoft’s XDefiant faced immediate matchmaking issues upon launch, confirmed by producer Mark Rubin.
  • Players encountered empty lobbies and matchmaking difficulties, prompting ongoing fixes.
  • Despite delays, XDefiant integrates characters from Ubisoft IPs, including Ghost Recon and Watch Dogs.

XDefiant, Ubisoft’s free-to-play arena shooter, launched on Tuesday for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, and almost immediately ran into matchmaking troubles, a Ubisoft producer confirmed via X.

Executive producer Mark Rubin said “Matchmaking servers go boom!” quickly adding his development team was working on fixing the problem. The game’s official X account l

We are seeing improvements with the issues that people are experiencing with matchmaking and are continuing to work on it. We will provide updates as soon as possible!

— XDefiant (@PlayXDefiant) May 21, 2024">ikewise said matchmaking was having trouble, with players responding in the thread with

these lobbies are going crazy! pic.twitter.com/9iqiKgoEz0

— Ghost Whoh (@WHOH) May 21, 2024">screenshots of empty lobbies and players “unable to find match.”

As of 5 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the XDefiant account still had not confirmed that a fix had been made, though it did say some progress had been made. An XDefiant news site, meanwhile, started giving out battle passes in the game to X followers while everyone waited on a fix.

It’s an especially bad look for a game that is multiplayer-only and, obviously, depends on matchmaking in order to draw and maintain an audience.

What is XDefiant?

XDefiant is a 6v6 shooter whose characters are drawn from across Ubisoft’s many intellectual properties. It was first due to launch in October 2023, but the publisher then delayed it indefinitely before saying it expected to launch it in March. That got delayed again until May 21.

The game makes references to the Ghost Recon, Watch Dogs, and Tom Clancy’s The Division series, as well as Far Cry 6, the most recent game in that series (launching in 2022). Watch Dogs, however, is rumored to be on ice after a dismal sales performance from Watch Dogs: Legion in 2021, and The Division: Heartland, another free-to-play shooter announced in 2020, was cancelled outright.

Ubisoft said it shut down Heartland in order to focus more resources on XDefiant; Tom Clancy’s The Division 3, announced in September 2023, is still in development.

For more on XDefiant, see our comprehensive guide containing everything we know about the game.

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Owen Good
Gaming Editor (US)

Owen Good is a 15-year veteran of video games writing, also covering pop culture and entertainment subjects for the likes of Kotaku and Polygon. He is a Gaming Editor for ReadWrite working from his home in North Carolina, the United States, joining this publication in April, 2024. Good is a 1995 graduate of North Carolina State University and a 2000 graduate of The Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University, in New York. A second-generation newspaperman, Good's career before covering video games included daily newspaper stints in North Carolina; in upstate New York; in Washington, D.C., with the Associated Press; and…

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.