Will Watch Dogs: Legion Get a Sequel?
The answer, as with most things in the unpredictable world of video games, is a resounding “it’s complicated.” While there hasn’t been any official announcement from Ubisoft regarding a direct sequel to Watch Dogs: Legion, the future of the franchise remains a topic of much debate and speculation. The original article hints at potential cancellation, a rumored new installment, and conflicting reports regarding the success and overall reception of Legion. To truly understand the likelihood of a Watch Dogs: Legion sequel, we need to delve into the factors that influence such decisions in the gaming industry.
Ubisoft, like any major publisher, carefully weighs several criteria before greenlighting a sequel:
- Sales Performance: Watch Dogs: Legion‘s sales figures, though not considered a flop, didn’t reach the blockbuster status of other Ubisoft titles like Assassin’s Creed or Far Cry.
- Critical Reception: Reviews for Watch Dogs: Legion were mixed. While praised for its innovative “play as anyone” mechanic and its depiction of a near-future London, it was criticized for a less compelling narrative compared to Watch Dogs 2, repetitive missions, and technical issues.
- Player Engagement: The game’s longevity and player retention rates are crucial. Did players stick with the game long after its release? Did they invest in DLC and microtransactions? These metrics heavily influence Ubisoft’s perception of the franchise’s viability.
- Franchise Fatigue: Is there a feeling that the Watch Dogs formula has become stale? Have players moved on to other open-world hacking games? Ubisoft needs to consider whether a sequel would generate enough excitement to justify the investment.
- Development Resources: Does Ubisoft have the manpower and resources to dedicate to another Watch Dogs game, especially with other major franchises demanding attention?
- New Ideas and Innovation: Can a sequel bring something genuinely new and exciting to the table? Does Ubisoft have a compelling vision for the future of the Watch Dogs universe? The Games Learning Society explores innovative approaches to game design, emphasizing the importance of new ideas in the industry.
Given these factors, a direct sequel to Watch Dogs: Legion, utilizing the same “play as anyone” mechanic, seems less likely. However, the Watch Dogs universe still holds potential. Ubisoft may choose to reboot the franchise, taking it in a completely new direction with a fresh storyline, setting, and gameplay mechanics. Another option could be a soft reboot, retaining some elements of the existing lore while introducing significant changes.
Ultimately, the fate of the Watch Dogs franchise rests in Ubisoft’s hands. They must carefully analyze the data, listen to player feedback, and determine whether a new entry can revitalize the series and recapture the excitement of earlier installments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Watch Dogs: Legion Considered a Success?
Watch Dogs: Legion achieved respectable sales, but it wasn’t a runaway hit. It sold fairly well, but didn’t achieve the same critical acclaim or commercial success as Watch Dogs 2. This mixed performance contributes to the uncertainty surrounding a sequel.
Why Was Watch Dogs: Legion Controversial?
The controversy surrounding Helen Lewis’s inclusion in Watch Dogs: Legion stemmed from accusations of transphobia against her, leading to Ubisoft’s decision to remove her voice from the game.
Which Watch Dogs Game is the Best?
Watch Dogs 2 is widely considered the best entry in the series by both fans and critics, praised for its engaging story, memorable characters, and refined gameplay.
Is There a Canon Ending in Watch Dogs?
The generally accepted canon ending in Watch Dogs involves Aiden Pearce hacking into CtOs to initiate a shutdown, followed by his confrontation with Damien Brenks, where the decision to kill or spare Maurice Vega is left to the player.
Where Do the Watch Dogs Games Take Place?
The Watch Dogs games are set in fictionalized versions of real cities that have implemented ctOS: Chicago (Watch Dogs), the San Francisco Bay Area (Watch Dogs 2), and Greater London (Watch Dogs: Legion).
Is Watch Dogs 2 a Prequel or a Sequel?
Watch Dogs 2 is a direct sequel to the original Watch Dogs, released in 2014.
Is Watch Dogs Set in the Future?
Watch Dogs is set in the near future, depicting a world where a powerful corporation controls vast amounts of data, allowing them to monitor and manipulate individuals through interconnected systems.
Is Watch Dogs: Legion Repetitive?
Many players found Watch Dogs: Legion repetitive, citing similar mission structures and a lack of depth in the “play as anyone” mechanic.
Is Watch Dogs: Legion’s Story Connected to the Other Games?
While there’s no direct story connection between Watch Dogs: Legion and the previous games, playing the earlier entries can enhance your understanding of the DedSec organization and the overall Watch Dogs lore.
Is Watch Dogs: Legion Better Than Watch Dogs 2?
While both games have their merits, Watch Dogs 2 is generally considered superior due to its stronger narrative, well-developed characters, and more polished open-world experience.
Is Josh Autistic in Watch Dogs 2?
In Watch Dogs 2, Josh implies that he has Asperger’s Syndrome, which is later confirmed in the DLC mission “Caustic Progress,” and further referenced in Horatio’s report as high-functioning autism.
Why Doesn’t Wrench Show His Face in Watch Dogs 2?
Wrench’s masked persona is believed to stem from a troubled childhood and shyness, using the electronic mask to express his emotions.
Is Watch Dogs: Legion Broken?
Early versions of Watch Dogs: Legion on Xbox One X suffered from a game-breaking bug that caused the console to shut down during a specific mission.
Which is Better, Watch Dogs or GTA 5?
GTA 5 offers a realistic virtual world, while Watch Dogs explores a futuristic tech-driven environment. The choice depends on individual preferences for gameplay style and thematic focus.
What is Inappropriate in Watch Dogs: Legion?
Watch Dogs: Legion contains some sexual content, including red-light districts and references to prostitution, as well as the ability for the player character to consume alcoholic beverages.
In Conclusion
While the future of the Watch Dogs franchise remains uncertain, the possibility of a sequel, or a reimagining of the series, is still on the table. Ubisoft’s decision will depend on a variety of factors, including sales performance, critical reception, player engagement, and the potential for innovation. The gaming community eagerly awaits any news regarding the future of this unique and engaging franchise. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for insights into the trends that could shape future installments in series like Watch Dogs.