Why Niche Games Matter: A Look at XDefiant

In this video, we look at Ubisoft’s latest release, XDefiant, exploring the impact of the troubling trend of "Universality" in gaming. We discuss how the push for every game to appeal to all players can undermine the industry and how XDefiant can improve while staying true to its unique vision.
Key Topics Covered:
The concept of Universality in gaming and its effects
Necessary improvements for XDefiant's overall health and longevity
Quick takes on matchmaking, weapon balancing, and game uniqueness
Join the conversation in the comments and share your thoughts on how XDefiant can stand out in the FPS genre.
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streamelements...

[@Chancho3232]

i think people are just impossible to please sometimes. I love XD but I've heard so many things about how cod is better ya ya ya. Even if cod is better in some ways this truly feels like I'm playing a game bread out of the golden years of cod instead of the information and microtransaction vomit that cod looks like now.

[@baldsquidgaming]

Agreed - imo it's like the Tex-Mex vs Authentic Mexican food debate. Y'all, there's enough space in the world for both ;] Some of the more recent announcements about added modes and balancing has me hopeful, now if only they can sort out the netcode >_>

[@mgoles]

For the horde

[@Darrakkii]

the only problem i have with this commentary is it is only aimed at those that know they want something like COD, but as a COD player who plays every 2 years or every 3 years and am now primarily play Apex, Fortnite, OW2 and now xdefiant - im still looking for that game that scratches that itch, and in a lot of ways xdefiant scratches that itch but in a lot of other ways it gives me other itches, if that makes sense. like i love the individual different heroes - this game has classes and most aren't very interact able with your team the reason i bring up the team play is that its the big playing point of this game, its literally a more team orientated COD/hero shooter and yet there are barely more ways to interact with teammates and enemies then your standard COD game the servers are a joke, they don't kick inactive players EVER so someone with a left on console will just keep taking up a spot in the lobby press to respond systems are horrible no killcams is so jarring no killstreaks and yet the ultras are super lame, insanely long wait times to reuse abilities and yet enemies can instantly respond without a timer (which is why a killcam is important) and theyll be placed right near the action and can just come right back over before you've even healed this game just does what a lot of other games do better but just worse, if you're finding enjoyment out of this game, good for you, if you want it to stay that way don't take my advice but the servers are trash, the hitboxes and lag is crazy (i have 19 ping on wired fiber internet and still get killed clearly around corners) the hero abilities arent that good and dont allow for fun matchups and interesting fights, only 5 total classes like cmon UBISOFT, game doesnt even look that good

[@baldsquidgaming]

I think we're on similar pages here about a good chunk of your points. Servers and netcode are meh, I'm pretty vocal about that. Can't place where I heard it, but I remember one of the devs talking about implementing killcams at a later date™ but needing to build the backend for it. Weird to not include them at launch, I agree. There could stand to be a ping or quick comms system, even CS1.6 had scripted radio callouts. I disagree about killstreaks and abilities, but that's the nifty bit - we can each have preferences and nuanced conversation :D

[@doctortomato9520]

I have never played cod and usualy stick to hardcore shooters like squad and tarkov but xdefiant is realy scratching an itch i didnt know i had. I am realy strugling with such high ttk (im used to always 1 or 2 headshots killing so my flicks are good but my tracking is terible) but being pared with better players due to random matchmaking and getting stomped realy is helping me improve instead of stagnate in skill. In short i am realy enjoying this game even though im trash at it 😅.

[@baldsquidgaming]

I really wanted to like Squad, and bounced off Tarkov HARD; think I had just gotten burnt out on exfil shooters and low ttk games around the time it blew up. The lack of SBMM here helps I think. Some games you get wrecked and (hopefullly) learn what doesn't work, others you do better on luck of the draw. Keep after it :D

[@LouisFGT]

love the vid and absolutely agree with what you say. Games should stick to their own idea even if its niche, if its a good one then the playerbase will come but people will always complain about something and want change to make it more accessible or more competitive. I really think they should just say deal with the harsh gameplay at first then it will make you better if you stick with it.

[@LouisFGT]

continue the vids like that loved it

[@baldsquidgaming]

Yep. As I replied to another person, there's enough space in the world for different games to have their slice of time to shine :)