Watch Dogs isn’t even out yet, but the idea of a Watch Dogs 2 game has already been brought up. Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs is set for release in a month, and based on hype and interest levels, it’s likely the game will be successful. Ubisoft doesn’t currently have a Watch Dogs 2 game under works however, as recently evidenced in an interview given by Creative Director Jonathan Morin to Eurogamer. “Right now there is no such thing as a Watch Dogs 2” said Mr. Morin, who also revealed that should Ubisoft decide to make a sequel, it’s likely going to be done a lot sooner. “It’s certainly not going to be the same amount of time if we ever embark on such a journey. A big part of it was defining whatever Watch Dogs is. Once you have that starting point, then what becomes interesting is what players want more of – what comes next?” he explained.
Watch Dogs is a new game that could potentially lead to a successful and long-lasting franchise. The potential certainly is there. However, we can’t help but somehow doubt that Watch Dogs 2 isn’t at least on a table somewhere, in the form of an outline. Why? Because Ubisoft rarely does single titles. Assassin’s Creed? Franchise. Splinter Cell? Franchise. Prince of Persia? Franchise. Rayman? Likewise. The list could go on. Especially given the potential Watch Dogs has, it’s doubtful it will end there. Another thing to consider is that most studios begin work on a future title in a series long before the previous title is in fact launched. CD Projekt Red began work on The Witcher 3 (due out in February 2015) even before the Witcher 2 was even released, and there are countless other examples.
Jonathan Morin went on to explain that Ubisoft is shifting its strategy and focusing more on doing it right rather than doing it fast, hence the delay in Watch Dogs’ release date. On the other hand, we’ve seen Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag launch last year, and we’re getting two new titles this year – Assassin’s Creed: Unity and Assassin’s Creed Comet. Granted, the quality of Black Flag cannot be contested, it’s certainly a more polished product than, let’s say, Call of Duty: Ghosts.
For now, that’s all we’re getting from Jonathan Morin. He’s not ruling out the idea of further developing Watch Dogs 2, but states that it’s not happening at the present moment. He’s focused on getting the current game out, seeing player feedback and taking it from there. He’s also looking to kick back and unwind for awhile, which is understandable, given the amount of eyes currently set upon the studio and its upcoming game. “I think we’re in a pretty good shape. I certainly like the idea of going deeper in the thematics – the hyperconnectivity and hacking in an entire city, controlling a city, monitoring everyone.”
The premise is there, the financial incentive will most likely follow (it’s doubtful Watch Dogs will flop financially), and players will likely ask for a sequel, either because the upcoming game will be so good they’ll be begging for more, or because of a desire to see improvements in the experience. We’re fairly certain Watch Dogs 2 will come out eventually. The only real question right now is when. What’s your take? Do you believe Ubisoft is already in the process of at least planning Watch Dogs 2?