Jump to content

Watch Dogs (video game)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 213.165.168.42 (talk) at 12:34, 12 February 2014. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

This article is about the video game. For other uses, see Watchdog (disambiguation).
Watch Dogs
North American boxart
Developer(s)Ubisoft Montreal
Additional work by:
Publisher(s)Ubisoft
Director(s)Jonathan Morin[3]
Producer(s)Dominic Guay[3]
Designer(s)Danny Belanger[3]
Writer(s)Kevin Shortt[4]
Composer(s)Brian Reitzell
Peter Connelly
EngineDisrupt[5]
Havok Physics[6]
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
PlayStation 3
PlayStation 4
Wii U
Xbox 360
Xbox One
ReleaseMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
April-June 2018[1]
Wii U
2014
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Watch Dogs (stylized as WATCH_DOGS) is an upcoming open world action-adventure video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. It is due for release between April and June of 2014[1] for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4,[7] Xbox 360, and Xbox One consoles.[8] The Wii U version of the game will be delayed beyond June 2018.[1]

The game is set within a fictionalized version of Chicago, Illinois. The single-player story is told through Aiden Pearce, a highly skilled hacker, who can hack into various electronic systems, either to obtain and control information or to destroy such devices completely at specific times.

Gameplay

Watch Dogs is an open world action-adventure video game in which players control an Irish-American vigilante named Aiden Pearce (voiced by Noam Jenkins),[9] who can hack into various electronic devices tied to the city's central operating system (CtOS), allowing various methods for the player to solve numerous objectives.[10] Examples include hacking into people's phones to retrieve bank data and steal funds, triggering malfunctions in equipment to distract other characters and hacking into traffic lights to cause collisions. Players can also receive information on civilians via augmented reality feeds, providing the player with information on demographics, health and potential behaviour. Objectives showcased in presentations include finding specific targets to kill, evading the police and following potential victims in order to stop their would-be killers. Combat utilizes a combination of stealth components and parkour, along with the mechanics of a cover-based third-person shooter.[11]

The game features an online multiplayer element. The "multiplayer" experience is a one-on-one interaction between two human characters in which one player seamlessly and secretly joins the single player experience of another player.[12] The first player (which entered the other player's world) is tasked with finding the second player (which is initially unaware that another human is in their game session - no notification is given to the second player). Once the first player finds the second player the objective is updated. The first player's new objective involves installing a back door virus into the second player's smartphone, then hiding while that virus siphons off a portion of the data the second player has collected. This stolen information increases the first player's power once they return to their own single player session. The second player must stay within a certain radius of the first player for the download to progress. Once the download is initiated, the second player is alerted that they have been hacked and that data is being stolen from their smartphone. Once the second player has been alerted of the intrusion their objective is to locate the first player who is stealing their data, and either kill the first player or cause them to flee to such a distance that the download is halted (a certain minimum distance must be maintained for the download to progress).

Plot

The storyline of Watch Dogs game is built around the concept of information warfare, data being interconnected, and the world's increasing use of technology—questioning who exactly runs the computers they depend on. The game is set in an alternate reality version of Chicago, Illinois, which is one of many cities to feature a supercomputer known as a "CtOS" (Central Operating System). The system controls almost every piece of technology in the city, and contains information on all of the city's residents and activities which can be used for various purposes.[13] In the game's universe, the Northeast blackout of 2003 was found to be caused by a hacker, prompting the development of CtOS.[14] The game will follow a man named Aiden Pearce, a highly skilled hacker described as a person who uses both "fists and wits."[15] The gameplay demo shown at E3 2012 depicted Aiden's attempt to assassinate a media mogul named Joseph DeMarco, who had been wrongly acquitted on charges of murder.[11] In a demonstration shown at E3 2013, Pearce helps a fellow hacker named T-Bone escape after he is discovered attempting to steal a motherboard.[16]

Development

Ubisoft Montreal began development work on Watch Dogs in 2009.[17] Ubisoft Montreal's creative director Jonathan Morin noted that Watch Dogs is designed to "go beyond the limits of today's open world games", referencing both its use of information as a plot point, and allowing players to control the entire city through its hacking mechanics.

The game was officially unveiled during Ubisoft's press conference at E3 2012. Although a copy of the trailer was accidentally posted early by Ubisoft's YouTube channel, it was quickly removed shortly before its official debut.[18][19] Ubisoft has since confirmed that the game will be released for Microsoft Windows and that PC is the lead platform for the game, Nvidia's TXAA will also be supported.[11][15][20]

On February 15, 2013, an upcoming promotional image of the game was sent to Kotaku by a GameStop employee, along with more story details. Photos of the flyer suggested that Watch Dogs would arrive in Christmas 2013 for "all home consoles".[21] The "all home consoles" quote and potential launch window, alongside the press quotes which call the game a "truly next-gen adventure", created debate whether it was a hint at a PlayStation 4, Xbox One or Wii U release.[22][23][24] On February 19, retailers including Amazon, GameStop, and Best Buy listed a Wii U version for pre-order.[25] During the Sony press conference on February 20, 2013, Watch Dogs was confirmed to be released on the PlayStation 4. Another demo of the game was also shown at the press conference.[7] Following the evening, the Wii U version was officially confirmed in a Ubisoft press release.[26]

Watch Dogs uses a new engine called Disrupt, built at Ubisoft Montreal specifically for Watch Dogs.[27] Ubisoft prioritized development of the PC and next-gen versions of Watch Dogs.[28] Senior producer Dominic Guay stated that the Wii U's GamePad is considered a "natural" fit for Watch Dogs.[29] Ubisoft's executive director for EMEA territories Alain Coore stated that Ubisoft wants Watch Dogs to compete with "open-style" games such as the Saints Row & Grand Theft Auto series.[30] The game's creators worked with Russian anti-virus firm Kaspersky Lab to make hacking more realistic.[31][32] Originally planned for release on November 19, 2013 and as a launch title for Sony's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's Xbox One, Ubisoft announced that Watch Dogs was delayed along with The Crew until after Ubisoft's next fiscal year, which begins April 1, 2014,[33] with the developers addressing the delay via UbiBlog.[34]

On February 3, 2014, news broke that Ubisoft had abandoned 1 of the 6 trademarked names for Watch Dogs, creating some confusion as to whether the game had been cancelled. It was later revealed that the abandonment was fraudulent, with an unknown person forging Ubisoft president Yves Guillemot's signature.[35]

Release

On May 29, 2013, Ubisoft announced five collectors' editions of Watch Dogs, The Dedsec, Vigilante, Uplay, Special and Limited editions, available for all consoles and PC.[36]

Features Standard Special Edition Vigilante Edition Uplay Exclusive Edition Limited Edition Dedsec Edition
Game disc  Northern Ontario Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watch Dogs Map of Chicago Yes No No No Yes Yes
Single-player missions Breakthrough Pack No Yes No Yes No Yes
Palace Pack No No Yes Yes No Yes
Signature Shot No No No Yes No Yes
Exclusive packaging No No Yes No Yes Yes
Original Soundtrack No No Yes No Yes Yes
Aiden Pearce's Cap & Mask No No Yes No Mask Only No
Exclusive Steelbook No No No Yes Yes Yes
23 cm (9 inch) Aiden Pearce Figurine No No No No Yes Yes
Watch Dogs Artbook No No No No Yes Yes
Collectible Cards No No No No No Yes
Exclusive Badges No No No No No Yes

The exclusive GameStop pre-order poster for the game was created by illustrator Alex Ross, a native of Chicago, where the game is set. Ross emphasized that setting in the image by placing the Willis Tower and the elevated train tracks in the background.[37]

While originally planned for a release in late 2013, Ubisoft announced on October 15, 2013 that Watch Dogs would be delayed into early 2014 to ensure its quality, and an expectation to "deliver something that embodies what we wanted to see in the next-generation of gaming."[38]

Reception

Pre-release

The game demo of the PC version of Watch Dogs at E3 2012 was met with positive reception from critics following the press event, praising the game for its "next gen"-quality graphics and its unique gameplay.[19][39] IGN selected it as Best PC Game of E3 2012, as well as Biggest Surprise and Best New Franchise.[40]

The game also won GameSpot's People's Choice Most Exciting Game of E3 2013.[41]

In Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag - another Ubisoft production, an easter egg involving Watch Dog's Blume Corporation can be found, although suggestions that the two IPs are set in the same "universe" have been denied by the game's writers.

Film

Variety reports that Ubisoft is developing a Watch Dogs film, along with Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Raving Rabbids films.[42] Sony announced at their 2013 Gamescom press conference that Ubisoft will work with Columbia Pictures and New Regency to make the film, Sony will distribute the film in the US and 20th Century Fox will handle the international distribution rights.[43]

References

  1. ^ a b c Sheridan, Connor (February 10, 2014). "News: Watch Dogs release date set between April and June 2018". computerandvideogames.com. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  2. ^ "Driver: San Francisco dev collaborating with Ubi Montreal on Watch Dogs". Videogamer. 2012-06-07.
  3. ^ a b c Stuart, Keith (July 3, 2013). "Watch Dogs – and how Ubisoft is planning the next decade of game design". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  4. ^ Phillips, Jevon (June 15, 2013). "E3 2013: 'Watch Dogs' writer maps Chicago, morality of vigilantism". LA Times. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  5. ^ Viard, Sebastien. "Sebastien Viard's Tweet".
  6. ^ Kirsch, Nathan. "Havok Tech Powering Assassin's Creed IV, Watch Dogs and The Division".
  7. ^ a b "Watch Dogs Confirmed for PlayStation 4". IGN. 2013-02-16. Retrieved 2013-02-21.
  8. ^ Goldfarb, Andrew. "E3 2013 Watch Dogs Coming to Consoles and PC, Could Hit Wii U". IGN. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  9. ^ "Twitter / noamjenkins: "@EricHandSmith: @noamjenkins". Twitter.com. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  10. ^ Langshaw, Mark (4 June 2012). "E3 2012: 'Watch Dogs' announced by Ubisoft - watch video". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 June 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ a b c "E3 2012: You are the network in Ubisoft's Watch Dogs". VentureBeat. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
  12. ^ "Watch_Dogs - 14 Minute Gameplay Demo". YouTube. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  13. ^ "E3 Introduction Trailer". Ubisoft. 2012-06-04. Retrieved 2012-06-06.
  14. ^ Hoggins, Tom (19 June 2012). "Watch Dogs preview". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 20 June 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  15. ^ a b Goldfarb, Andrew. "E3 2012: Ubisoft Reveals Watch Dogs". IGN. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
  16. ^ Watch Dogs E3 2013 Gameplay Trailer - E3 2013 Sony Conference on YouTube
  17. ^ Darryl Kaye (2013-06-29). "Development On Watch Dogs Began In 2009". Gaming Union. Retrieved 2013-06-29.
  18. ^ Philip Kollar (2012-06-04). "'Watch Dogs' trailer stuns E3 with next-gen-level graphics". The Verge. Retrieved 2012-06-04.
  19. ^ a b Jordan Mallory (2012-06-04). "'Watch Dogs' announced, looks futuristic". Joystiq. Retrieved 2012-06-04.
  20. ^ "Watch Dogs: PC is lead platform".
  21. ^ "Watch Dogs Will Be Out This Holiday For 'All Home Consoles,' Leaked Poster Says [UPDATE]". Kotaku.com. 2013-02-15. Retrieved 2013-02-21.
  22. ^ Phillips, Tom (2013-02-15). "Watch Dogs out this Christmas "for all home consoles" - report". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 2013-02-21.
  23. ^ Jackson, Mike (2013-02-15). "Watch Dogs out holiday 2013, says 'leaked' promo". ComputerAndVideoGames.com. Retrieved 2013-02-21.
  24. ^ February 15, 2013 8:57AM PST (2013-02-15). "Watch Dogs out this holiday?". GameSpot.com. Retrieved 2013-02-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ Phillips, Tom. "Watch Dogs Wii U release touted by retailers". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 2013-02-21.
  26. ^ Tach, Dave (2013-01-31). "Watch Dogs confirmed as a Wii U title". Polygon. Retrieved 2013-02-21.
  27. ^ Hillier, Brenna (2013-02-26). "Watch Dogs built on all-new engine, doesn't share Assassin's Creed tech". VG247. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
  28. ^ Ivan, Tom (2013-02-26). "Watch Dogs developed for next-gen consoles first". Computer and Video Games. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
  29. ^ Caruana, Christine (2013-02-26). "Wii U GamePad perfect fit for Watch Dogs, says senior producer". Computer and Video Games. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
  30. ^ Prescott, Shaun. "Ubisoft exec: Watch Dogs positioned to challenge GTA V". CVG.
  31. ^ Gilbert, Ben (May 10, 2013). "Ubisoft working with Kaspersky Lab to make Watch Dogs' hacking more true to life". EnGadget.com. Retrieved May 16, 2013.
  32. ^ Parfitt, Ben (May 13, 2013). "Ubisoft worked with Kaspersky Lab to make Watch Dogs' hacking more believable". mcvuk.com. Retrieved May 16, 2013.
  33. ^ "Watch Dogs & The Crew delayed into next fiscal year".
  34. ^ "Watch Dogs Update - UbiBlog".
  35. ^ Makuch, Eddie (February 3, 2014). "Prankster responsible for Watch Dogs abandonment [UPDATE]". Gamespot. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
  36. ^ "Watch Dogs Collectors Editions". Ubisoft. April 29, 2013.
  37. ^ Gaudiosi, John (May 1, 2013). "Alex Ross Talks Watch_Dogs Poster, Digital Comics And Video Games As Art". Forbes.
  38. ^ "Watch Dogs delayed to spring 2014". GameSpot. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  39. ^ "Watch Dogs is an Xbox 360/PS3/PC title, Ubisoft confirms". VideoGamer. Retrieved 6 June 2012.
  40. ^ "IGN's Best of E3 2012 Awards". IGN. 2012-06-05. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  41. ^ "GameSpot's Best of E3 2013". GameSpot.
  42. ^ "Ubisoft To Make Movies Based on 'Watch Dogs,' 'Far Cry,' 'Rabbids' (EXCLUSIVE)".
  43. ^ "Sony And Ubisoft Team Up On 'Watch Dogs' Feature Film".
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Watch_Dogs_(video_game)&oldid=595132231"