# Hero-Based Team Shooters Ubisoft's 'XDefiant' Combines its Properties into One Game By Colin Smith | Published 2024-05-24 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xdefiant References: [forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2024/05/21/one-of-the-most-anticipated-video-games-of-the-year-releases-today-as-xdefiant-takes-on-call-of-duty/?sh=312865924e06) & [ubisoft](https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/xdefiant)  'XDefiant' is [Ubisoft’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-six-extraction) latest addition to the arena shooter genre. Launched on May 21, 2024, this free-to-play title offers a fast-paced multiplayer experience where players compete across various factions inspired by Ubisoft’s game universe. The game features five distinct game modes and fourteen unique maps, catering to a diverse range of playstyles and strategies. As a first-person shooter, XDefiant emphasizes skill and agility, allowing players to showcase their prowess in dynamic online matches. XDefiant is accessible as a free-to-play game, which means players can download and start playing without any initial purchase. It is available on multiple platforms, including PC, [PlayStation 5](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wildgate), and [Xbox Series X](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-division-2-survivors)|S, ensuring a wide reach among gaming communities. The game also supports crossplay, allowing friends to play together regardless of their chosen platform. Ubisoft has further incentivized players with the option to purchase a Founder’s Pack, which includes exclusive content and other benefits to enhance the gaming experience. Image Credit: Ubisoft ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 24% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Free-to-play Economics:** The free-to-play model in 'XDefiant' lowers entry barriers and relies on in-game purchases, which drives engagement and revenue through continuous content updates. - **Cross-platform Play:** 'XDefiant's' support for crossplay unifies gamers from different platforms, fostering a larger, more integrated player base and enabling seamless social gaming experiences. - **Hero-based Team Dynamics:** By incorporating factions inspired from Ubisoft’s game universe, 'XDefiant' leverages established character dynamics, enriching the gameplay with diverse team-based strategies and lore. ### Who This Affects Most - **Video Games:** Ubisoft’s expansion with 'XDefiant' strengthens its position in the competitive arena shooter market, promising new revenue streams and broader market engagement. - **Esports:** As 'XDefiant' offers fast-paced multiplayer modes, it has potential to become a staple in esports, attracting both amateur and professional players to competitively showcase their skills. - **Game Development:** The diverse range of maps and game modes in 'XDefiant' highlights innovative design practices, offering fresh inspiration for future game development projects. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Multiplayer Free-to-Play Extraction Shooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-division-2-survivors.md) - [Character-Focused Shooter Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-first-descendant.md) - [Cooperative Alien Survival Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-six-extraction.md) - [Competitive Team-Based Shooter Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fortnite-ballistic.md) - [Anime Tie-In Web3 Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/captain-laserhawk.md) - [Creator-Focused Game Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/siege-x.md) - [Team-Based Sci-Fi Shooter Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wildgate.md) - [Action Figure Shooting Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hypercharge-unboxed.md) - [Shooter Game Console Releases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragpunk.md)