Ubisoft CEO Calls Watch Dogs 'Important' But New Games Are Far Off

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has affirmed that the Watch Dogs franchise is an "important brand for the future" of the company, but fans shouldn't expect a new entry anytime soon. Speaking to investors, Guillemot indicated that while the IP holds significant value, the company is still determining its direction. This suggests that despite its importance, no new Watch Dogs games are currently in active development.

The Watch Dogs series, which debuted in 2014 as a highly anticipated open-world title aiming to rival Grand Theft Auto V, has seen a mixed reception over its installments. The original game, though ambitious, didn't quite live up to its initial hype for some players. Its sequel, Watch Dogs 2, set in San Francisco, was generally well-received and improved upon the original. However, the most recent entry, Watch Dogs: Legion, released in 2020, struggled to maintain momentum despite its innovative concept of recruiting and playing as any NPC in London. This latter installment received a more lukewarm response, leaving the franchise's future uncertain.

The Franchise's Identity Crisis

Following the mixed reception of Watch Dogs: Legion, Ubisoft has been conspicuously quiet about the series' next steps. Some industry insiders have even suggested the franchise might be "completely dead" due to Legion's performance. However, other reports hint at potential future developments, including the possibility of a director's cut for Watch Dogs: Legion that could add new content and features. This suggests that Ubisoft might be exploring ways to revitalize the IP, potentially by differentiating it more clearly from competitors like Grand Theft Auto and finding a new angle that resonates with players.

"Watch Dogs is something that could create more new customers for Ubisoft in the long term," — Yves Guillemot

Guillemot's statement about creating new customers implies a long-term vision that may not necessarily rely on immediate game releases but on the brand's broader appeal and potential for reinvention. The lack of concrete announcements indicates that Ubisoft is likely in a period of strategic planning to ensure any future Watch Dogs title can stand out and recapture player interest.

What's Next for DedSec?

While no new game is confirmed, the mention of a Watch Dogs movie has lingered for some time. Production wrapped years ago, with reshoots occurring more recently, yet a release date and any substantial promotional material remain elusive. This parallel uncertainty surrounding both the games and the film adds to the mystery of the franchise's current status. Fans are left to speculate whether Watch Dogs will return with a fresh approach or if its future remains indefinitely on hold as Ubisoft figures out its next move.

It appears Ubisoft wants to leverage the Watch Dogs IP, but the path forward is unclear. Whether it's a new game, a revitalized Legion, or an expanded universe through media, details have not yet been announced.