Ubisoft Ends Watch Dogs Franchise Amid Insider Claims of Its Demise
Recent reports indicate that Ubisoft has officially shelved the Watch Dogs franchise. Insider Tom Henderson shared this information during the Insider Gaming podcast. He stated that the intellectual property (IP) for Watch Dogs is now inactive within the company.
Insights from the Insider Gaming Podcast
During a podcast episode titled “The End For Ubisoft and Xbox Developer Direct Reactions! It’s Our One Year Anniversary!” Henderson discussed the aftermath of Watch Dogs: Legion’s release. He revealed that developers believed the game required more development time prior to its launch. Following its release, the team transitioned to another project that had been several years in development, which ultimately faced cancellation.
Decline of the Franchise
- Insider claims indicate that Watch Dogs IP is considered “completely dead.”
- Despite some internal enthusiasm for the franchise, Ubisoft has shown reluctance to fully invest in it.
- A notable feature of Watch Dogs: Legion was its play-as-anyone mechanic, set in a futuristic London.
- The game launched in 2020 but received mixed reviews and did not achieve sustained success.
Henderson has emphasized that although there are still Ubisoft staff who appreciate the series and even create fan art, the company has been historically cautious about committing to the franchise. This situation reflects a larger trend at Ubisoft, which is currently re-evaluating its development strategies and major franchises.
Future of the Franchise
As of now, Ubisoft has not provided any official comment regarding the status of Watch Dogs. There has been no formal announcement confirming its cancellation. The uncertainty surrounding the franchise leaves fans and observers speculating about what could come next for Ubisoft.
