Ubisoft seems to have put the Watch Dogs franchise on hold, according to insider Tom Henderson. He recently shared this news on the Insider Gaming podcast, discussing the aftermath of Watch Dogs Legion.
Henderson mentioned that many developers felt Legion was rushed out. They believed it needed more time to polish. Soon after its release, the team shifted to another project, which was also ultimately canceled.
Interestingly, the canceled project wasn’t related to Watch Dogs at all. Henderson made it clear that the franchise itself appears to be abandoned. “As far as I’m aware at this moment, the Watch Dogs IP is completely dead,” he stated.
Although some Ubisoft employees still appreciate the franchise, creating fan art and showing support, the publisher hasn’t shown much enthusiasm to revive it. The series, which saw a notable change with Legion in 2020, struggled to make a lasting impact despite introducing a unique play-as-anyone feature set in a futuristic London. The game’s mixed reviews didn’t help its case, either.
Currently, Ubisoft is busy reevaluating its game lineup and making significant changes. While Henderson’s insights raise concerns about the future of Watch Dogs, Ubisoft has not officially confirmed its cancellation.
According to a report from the International Game Developers Association, only about 23% of game developers feel that they have enough time during development. This aligns with the complaints from the Watch Dogs team, underscoring a wider industry issue: the pressure to deliver quickly often compromises quality.
In 2021, fan reactions on social media showed frustration over the direction of the franchise. Many voiced their desire for a return to the roots of the series, which initially focused on hacking and a deeper narrative. Trends on platforms like Twitter reflected a longing for games that focus more on immersive storytelling rather than just mechanics.
As Ubisoft considers its next steps, the fate of Watch Dogs remains uncertain. For now, the franchise serves as a reminder of the challenges in game development and the importance of taking the time to tell a meaningful story.
