Are Assassin’s Creed and Watch Dogs in the Same Universe? The Definitive Answer
The short answer? It’s complicated. While Ubisoft has consistently maintained that the Assassin’s Creed (AC) and Watch Dogs (WD) franchises are not officially connected in a single, unified universe, compelling evidence within the games themselves strongly suggests otherwise. The relationship is best described as existing in a state of soft canon, where deliberate Easter Eggs and character crossovers create a strong sense of connection without fully committing to shared lore.
Think of it like this: Imagine two painters working on separate canvases. They’re given the freedom to create their own worlds, but every so often, one painter borrows a color or a brushstroke technique from the other. The paintings remain distinct, but a discerning eye can spot the subtle influence and shared artistic heritage.
The most prominent piece of evidence linking the two franchises is the presence of Olivier Garneau, the head of Abstergo Entertainment in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. In a modern-day mission, Garneau mentions a business trip to Chicago, the setting of the original Watch Dogs. Later, in Watch Dogs, Aiden Pearce is tasked with assassinating Garneau. Black Flag confirms that Garneau never returned from his Chicago trip. This direct interaction is difficult to dismiss as mere coincidence.
Furthermore, the presence of Abstergo, the Templar-front corporation, in both franchises provides another layer of connection. In Far Cry 3, an Abstergo logo appears, further muddying the waters and fueling theories that the Far Cry universe might also be subtly linked.
The Watch Dogs: Legion DLC provides an interesting crossover, introducing Darcy Clarkson, a modern-day Assassin with ties to the Frye twins from Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. While officially presented as non-canon, the inclusion of a fully playable Assassin character blurs the lines significantly.
So, while Ubisoft might want to keep the universes separate for creative freedom and narrative flexibility, the in-game evidence continues to pile up, leading many fans to believe that Assassin’s Creed and Watch Dogs, at least in some capacity, share a connected narrative. Whether this connection is a carefully crafted plan or simply a series of playful nods remains a mystery.
Unraveling the Mystery: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here’s a deep dive into some frequently asked questions to provide a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between Assassin’s Creed and Watch Dogs.
Is Watch Dogs in the AC universe?
Yes, but with caveats. The Olivier Garneau storyline directly connects the two, while the presence of Abstergo and other smaller references further imply a shared universe. However, Ubisoft maintains that they are not officially part of the same canon.
Is Assassin’s Creed canon to Watch Dogs?
Similar to the question above, Assassin’s Creed is implied to be canon in Watch Dogs, but it’s not officially confirmed. Easter eggs and character references suggest a connection, but Ubisoft hasn’t fully committed to acknowledging the two franchises as existing within a singular, overarching narrative.
Are there assassins in Watch Dogs?
Yes. In Watch Dogs: Legion, the DLC features Darcy Clarkson, a member of the British Brotherhood of Assassins. Her ancestors are Jacob and Evie Frye, key characters in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.
Are all Ubisoft games in the same universe?
This is a popular fan theory, and there’s some circumstantial evidence. The appearance of Abstergo logos in Far Cry 3 suggests a possible link to the Assassin’s Creed/Watch Dogs universe. However, without explicit crossovers, this remains speculative. To learn more about the impact of gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Are Ghost Recon and Watch Dogs connected?
No, there’s no direct evidence to suggest a connection between Ghost Recon and Watch Dogs. Watch Dogs features some references to other Ubisoft games, but these are generally regarded as non-canon Easter Eggs, rather than indicators of a shared universe.
Is Far Cry related to Watch Dogs?
There is some circumstantial evidence. The presence of an Abstergo logo in Far Cry 3 hints at a link to the Assassin’s Creed universe, which, in turn, is connected to Watch Dogs. However, this is a tenuous connection, and there are no direct character crossovers or explicit plot references.
Who is the main villain in Watch Dogs?
In the original Watch Dogs, the main antagonists are Damien Brenks and Lucky Quinn. Damien is a skilled hacker and Aiden Pearce’s former partner, while Lucky Quinn is a powerful Chicago mob boss.
Who is the killer in Watch Dogs?
Watch Dogs features several antagonists, but a particularly disturbing one is Edgar Noone, also known as the Fingerpaint Killer. He is a minor antagonist who kidnaps and murders people with hemophilia.
Is Watch Dogs 2 a continuation of Watch Dogs?
Yes, Watch Dogs 2 is a direct sequel to the original Watch Dogs. While it features a new protagonist (Marcus Holloway) and a new setting (San Francisco), it builds upon the themes and gameplay mechanics of the first game.
Why is assassins creed in watch dogs legion?
The inclusion of an Assassin in Watch Dogs: Legion is officially considered a non-canon crossover. It’s a fun addition for fans of both franchises, but it doesn’t necessarily imply that the games are officially part of the same universe.
Why is Alexios not canon?
In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, players can choose to play as either Alexios or Kassandra. While both characters are present in the game, Kassandra is considered the canon protagonist. This decision was based on the writers of the official novel choosing Kassandra to be the protagonist.
Is Aiden Pearce an assassin?
Aiden Pearce, the protagonist of the original Watch Dogs, is not officially an Assassin. However, his skills in stealth, combat, and hacking, as well as his drive for justice, would certainly qualify him as a potential recruit for the Brotherhood.
What city is Watch Dogs in?
The original Watch Dogs (2014) is set in a fictionalized version of the Chicago metropolitan area. Watch Dogs 2 is set in San Francisco, while Watch Dogs: Legion is set in London.
Are all the Watch Dogs games connected?
While each Watch Dogs game has its own self-contained story, they are all connected by the overarching themes of hacking, surveillance, and corporate control. Aiden Pearce appears in Watch Dogs 2 and Watch Dogs: Legion, solidifying the connection between the games.
Which Watch Dogs ending is canon?
In the canon ending of the original Watch Dogs, Aiden Pearce hacks into CtOs, causing a massive shutdown, and then kills Damien Brenks. The choice to kill or spare Maurice Vega is less clear in terms of canon.
In conclusion, the question of whether Assassin’s Creed and Watch Dogs share a universe is a complex one, and there’s no simple answer. While Ubisoft may continue to downplay any direct connections, the evidence within the games themselves suggests a more intricate and intertwined relationship than they are willing to admit. Whether this is deliberate or a series of happy accidents, it provides fans with plenty to speculate about.