Is Watch Dogs Set in the Future? A Deep Dive into Ubisoft’s Hacktivist World
The answer to the question “Is Watch Dogs set in the future?” is nuanced. While the original Watch Dogs and its sequel, Watch Dogs 2, are primarily set in the “modern times” corresponding to their release years, Watch Dogs: Legion plunges us into a “near future” depiction of London, specifically around 2029 or 2030. This distinction is crucial because it fundamentally alters the gameplay, narrative themes, and world-building within each installment. Understanding this temporal setting is vital for appreciating the overall Watch Dogs universe.
Understanding the Temporal Landscape of Watch Dogs
The initial Watch Dogs game presented a world mirroring the contemporary landscape of Chicago in 2014. The focus was on real-world technology – albeit slightly amplified – and the dangers of unchecked digital interconnectedness. Similarly, Watch Dogs 2, set in the San Francisco Bay Area, reflected the tech-heavy culture and social anxieties of the mid-2010s. Both games used familiar settings to ground the story in a recognizable reality, making the themes of hacking and corporate surveillance all the more resonant.
However, Watch Dogs: Legion took a different path. By situating the game in a near-future London, Ubisoft introduced advanced technologies like autonomous vehicles, sophisticated drones, and ubiquitous surveillance systems. This future setting allows the game to explore more extreme scenarios of government overreach and the potential consequences of technological dependence, solidifying its place in the dystopian genre. The game’s Bloodline expansion further clarifies the timeline, placing the narrative firmly in the late 2020s or early 2030s.
The Impact of Setting on Gameplay and Narrative
The difference in setting between the games directly impacts gameplay. In the earlier Watch Dogs titles, hacking felt more like a specialized skill, with a focus on manipulating existing infrastructure. In Legion, hacking becomes an almost ubiquitous ability, reflecting the pervasive integration of technology into daily life. This change also affects the narrative. The original games explored the dangers of data breaches and corporate espionage within a contemporary context. Watch Dogs: Legion, on the other hand, investigates broader societal issues, such as the erosion of civil liberties and the rise of authoritarianism in a technologically advanced world.
The themes explored in Watch Dogs extend beyond simple hacking and delve into concepts relevant to contemporary society. These issues are explored on the Games Learning Society website. The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, provides insights into the educational potential found within games.
Watch Dogs and Dystopian Visions
The future envisioned in Watch Dogs: Legion aligns with many common tropes of dystopian fiction. Constant surveillance, the suppression of dissent, and the concentration of power in the hands of corporations and the state are all hallmarks of the genre. This allows the game to engage with contemporary anxieties about technology and social control in a more pronounced and thought-provoking way than its predecessors. The game is designed to make players question the price of convenience and security in an increasingly digital world.
FAQs: Unraveling the Watch Dogs Universe
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the context and connections within the Watch Dogs series:
1. Is Watch Dogs’ Story Connected Across All Games?
While the games share the same universe and thematic concerns, the stories are largely self-contained. The first two games feature different protagonists and settings, though there are Easter eggs and references that connect them. Watch Dogs: Legion expands the scope even further, focusing on a collective of characters rather than a single hero. However, the Bloodline DLC in Legion does bring back Aiden Pearce from the original Watch Dogs, directly linking it to the first game.
2. Is Watch Dogs a Dystopian Game?
Yes, particularly Watch Dogs: Legion. The depiction of a near-future London under constant surveillance and subject to corporate control firmly places it within the dystopian genre. The earlier games also touch on dystopian themes, but they are less pronounced than in Legion.
3. Is Watch Dogs Set in the Same Universe as Assassin’s Creed?
Ubisoft has given conflicting signals. There are Easter eggs and references in both Assassin’s Creed and Watch Dogs that suggest a shared universe. However, Ubisoft has also stated that the connections are merely nods and not intended to be canonical. The evidence continues to suggest that the connection exists, but it has not been officially confirmed.
4. Is Watch Dogs Set in the Same Universe as Far Cry?
Similar to the Assassin’s Creed situation, there are elements in Far Cry that hint at a shared universe with Watch Dogs. A document from Abstergo Industries (a key company in Assassin’s Creed) can be found in Far Cry 3, suggesting a broader interconnected narrative landscape within Ubisoft’s games.
5. Is Watch Dogs Inappropriate for Children?
The Watch Dogs games are generally intended for mature audiences. They contain violence, suggestive themes, drug use, and strong language. The ESRB rating for Watch Dogs: Legion, for example, is Mature 17+ due to Intense Violence and Sexual Themes.
6. Is Watch Dogs: Legion a Good Game?
While opinions vary, Watch Dogs: Legion has generally received positive reviews. The “play as anyone” mechanic is innovative, and the dystopian setting is compelling. However, some critics have pointed out that the missions can become repetitive and the villains are not always well-developed.
7. Who Is the Main Villain in the First Watch Dogs?
Damien Brenks is the primary antagonist in the original Watch Dogs. His actions set the plot in motion and drive much of the conflict throughout the game.
8. Will There Be a Watch Dogs 4?
As of the current date, there are no official announcements regarding a Watch Dogs 4. Ubisoft has not confirmed or denied the possibility, leaving the future of the franchise open to speculation.
9. Is Watch Dogs 2 Confusing?
Some players find the narrative in Watch Dogs 2 to be somewhat convoluted. The various plot threads and characters can be difficult to keep track of, especially for those unfamiliar with the themes of hacker culture and digital activism.
10. Does Watch Dogs 2 Have an Ending?
Yes, Watch Dogs 2 has a definite ending that resolves the main storyline. However, Ubisoft also added a post-credits scene that hints at future possibilities for the franchise.
11. Which Is Better, Watch Dogs or GTA 5?
This is a subjective question that depends on individual preferences. GTA 5 offers a more expansive open world and a greater focus on realism, while Watch Dogs emphasizes hacking and technology. Both games have their strengths and weaknesses, and the “better” game depends on what the player is looking for.
12. Is Watch Dogs: Bloodline a Prequel?
The Bloodline expansion for Watch Dogs: Legion functions as both a prequel and a continuation. It features Aiden Pearce before the events of Watch Dogs: Legion, but its narrative also extends into the timeline of the main game.
13. Is Swearing Allowed In Watch Dogs: Legion?
Yes, Watch Dogs: Legion contains strong language. However, there is an option in the game settings to filter out the profanity.
14. Is the Map in Watch Dogs: Legion Big?
Yes, the map in Watch Dogs: Legion is quite expansive. It’s larger than the map in Watch Dogs 2 and provides ample opportunity for exploration and gameplay.
15. Which Watch Dogs Ending Is Canon?
In the original Watch Dogs, the choice of whether to kill or spare Damien Brenks has been implied to be the canonical choice. However, the impact on the overall narrative of the Watch Dogs universe is minimal.
In conclusion, while the first two Watch Dogs games occur in a setting contemporary to their release, Watch Dogs: Legion fully embraces a near-future setting. This shift has significant ramifications for gameplay, narrative, and the overall thematic exploration of technology and its impact on society. The nuances and distinctions between each setting contribute greatly to the Watch Dogs series and it’s longevity.