It seems Ubisoft just can’t catch a break these days. The company is constantly in the news, more often for controversy than most other gaming studios. Whether it’s for a title that missed the mark or a bad business decision, gamers are using everything they can to call out the company.
The issue is that Ubisoft is giving these gamers ammo to use against them. Such as the latest confirmation from an insider, which, if true, could turn a lot of people against the studio. By burying a beloved franchise after creating lackluster sequels, the studio better have a strong PR team.
No More Watch Dogs, According to Ubisoft Insider
When it was first revealed, Watch Dogs quickly became one of the most anticipated games for the PlayStation 4. An open-world free-roam parkour adventure differed from Assassin’s Creed by its dystopian future setting and the use of CTOS to alter the world around the player. The trailer wowed many gamers with how the protagonist, Aiden Pearce, could play god using just his phone.
Fast forward a few years, and we had gotten Watch Dogs 2 and Watch Dogs: Legion. The sequel to the game sold well despite its dull story, but the third installment in the franchise just didn’t work. Given the trajectory of the franchise, it’s little wonder, but still disappointing, that it was quietly laid to rest.
Big mistake on Ubisoft's part. The Watch_Dogs games are great!
— Derek Deputy (@Nintenderek) April 22, 2024
This confirmation comes from the credible Ubisoft insider @xj0nathan, who was replying to someone asking about a new title in the franchise. The leaker very explicitly stated the series is “dead and buried,” blaming the poor sales of Legion and eliminating the possibility of a Battle Royale version that was seemingly being discussed.
The announcement has not gone down well with the community. Replies to the tweet express their disappointment at how the studio ran a good series into the ground. It’s always sad to see a franchise with great potential get shelved because the people behind the project didn’t know how to take it to the next level.
Ubisoft Marches on Undeterred Toward New Projects
If there’s one thing to be said about the studio, it’s that it never slows its pace. That’s not always a good thing. We now have news of a Far Cry 7, featuring Cillian Murphy, but with the reputation of the previous title, star power alone is not going to be enough to carry the game. After all, Far Cry 6 was panned even with the presence of Giancarlo Esposito.
The troubles don’t end for the company on several fronts. The XDefiant server test has received scathing reviews of their time with the shooter. Described as slow, uninteresting, and glitchy, the game will not be dethroning Call of Duty anytime soon. Skull and Bones, their pirate adventure, is also treading water at this point.
Despite this, we are getting new titles from the studio. The Rogue: Prince of Persia was recently showcased at the Triple-i Initiative and is the second side-scrolling game in the franchise that will be launched this year.
How do you feel about the death of Watch Dogs? Let us know in the comments below!
