Ubisoft FPS XDefiant has been delayed again following a public test

Ubisoft has delayed its upcoming free-to-play FPS XDefiant again, following a recent public test session.

According to the game’s development team, the beta exposed some issues that have to be addressed before the game’s ‘Preseason’ can be released.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent Public Test Session and continues to stand alongside us as we build XDefiant,” a message on the game’s official Twitter account reads.

“The PTS once again showed us your appreciation for our fast-paced gunplay, uniquely crafted maps, objective-driven modes, and iconic Faction roster.

“But it also surfaced some inconsistencies in the game experience that we need to address prior to launching our Preseason. So we’ve made the hard decision to delay the Preseason of XDefiant.

“The team will continue working to address these issues and testing them to make sure we deliver on our goal of being a best-in-class arcade shooter. We will share more information about Preseason and testing as it comes.

“Thanks again for your support – we’re working hard to make something really special and we couldn’t do it without you.”

The delay may come as a blessing in disguise for Ubisoft, as the game’s previously planned October launch would have placed it in the middle of a busy release schedule, as well as just weeks before the release of the similar Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

In June, Ubisoft stated that XDefiant was expected to launch later in the summer, with a final ‘open session’ taking place on June 21-23, after which the game would be released.

By September, when it was clear that this summer window was going to be missed, executive producer Mark Rubin said that an October release appeared “likely” due to the game failing Microsoft and Sony’s console certification tests.

This latest delay doesn’t give a proposed release window, meaning it’s not clear if it’s a brief setback or something that will require a lengthier process to resolve.

When the game does eventually release, it will consist of five factions from different Ubisoft series – Libertad (Far Cry), Phantoms (Ghost Recon), Echelon (Splinter Cell), Cleaners (The Division) and DedSec (Watch Dogs).