After several delays, the release of Watch Dogs might finally be on the horizon. A release date was given on the Sony Entertainment Network store, but it’s very likely to be a placeholder; GameStop has had the same release date listed for several months now. Regardless, the ESRB has given an official rating for Ubisoft’s new techno-thriller action game, meaning the title’s release should be coming soon.
While it may come as no surprise, the ESRB has given Watch Dogs the “M-Mature” rating. The listing only refers to the PC and next-gen versions, but it would come as a surprise if the current-gen versions were rated any differently. According to the description, the anticipated 3rd-person title is rated M for the usual reasons; “Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol”. As customary with every rating, the ESRB has provided a basic synopsis of content found within Watch Dogs- potential spoilers have been removed from the description:
This is [a] third-person shooter/action game in which players assume the role of Aiden Pearce, a hacker trying to find an evil mastermind. Players use pistols, machine guns, assault rifles, and explosives to kill various human enemies (e.g., criminals, police officers). When close to an enemy, players are able to shoot them in the head or knock them out with a black jack. Players have the ability to kill captives after (mostly) off-screen interrogations. Cutscenes depict further instances of violence…Combat is highlighted by cries of pain, blood-splatter effects, and realistic gunfire. During the course of the game, female characters sometimes appear topless…in another scene, sexual moaning sounds can be heard behind walls. The central character is sometimes depicted drinking alcohol…In a few instances, characters are described as “addicted to narcotics” or “convicted of drug trafficking.” The words “f**k,” “sh*t,” and “a*shole” can be heard in the dialogue.
Watch Dogs is confirmed to release sometime during Ubisoft’s 2014 fiscal year, but judging by recent details, it could arrive as early as April. According to GameStop, the Limited Edition versions for Xbox 360 and PS3 are no longer available, but PS4 and Xbox One owners can still get their hands on one for $129.99. Watch Dogs: Limited Edition includes a 9″ Aiden Pearce statue, Aiden’s “Interconnectivity” mask, official soundtrack, 80-page hardcover art book, and a collectible Steel Book case.