View source for Software:Watch Dogs

'''''Watch Dogs''''' (stylized as '''''WATCH_DOGS''''') is an [[Software:Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] video game franchise published by [[Company:Ubisoft|Ubisoft]], and developed primarily by its [[Company:Ubisoft Montreal|Montreal]] and [[Company:Ubisoft Toronto|Toronto]] studios using the Disrupt game engine.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 10, 2013|title=How the new Disrupt engine gives life to Watch Dogs|url=https://www.destructoid.com/how-the-new-disrupt-engine-gives-life-to-watch-dogs/|access-date=June 26, 2021|website=Destructoid|language=en-CA|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803164151/https://www.destructoid.com/how-the-new-disrupt-engine-gives-life-to-watch-dogs/|url-status=live}}</ref> The series' [[Software:Watch Dogs (video game)|eponymous first title]] was released in 2014, which was followed by two sequels: ''[[Software:Watch Dogs 2|Watch Dogs 2]]'' (2016) and ''[[Software:Watch Dogs: Legion]]'' (2020). The franchise also includes several tie-in novels, comic book miniseries, and an upcoming live-action film set in the games' fictional universe.

[[Software:Gameplay|Gameplay]] in the ''Watch Dogs'' games focuses on an [[Software:Open world|open world]] where the player can complete missions to progress an overall story, as well as engage in various side activities. The core gameplay consists of driving, shooting, and [[Software:Stealth game|stealth]] segments, with occasional [[Software:Role-playing video game|role-playing]] and [[Software:Puzzle video game|puzzle]] elements. The ''Watch Dogs'' games are set in fictionalized versions of real-life cities, at various points in time, and follow different [[Security hacker|hacker]] protagonists who, while having different goals to achieve, find themselves involved with the criminal underworlds of their respective cities. The antagonists are usually corrupt companies, crime bosses, and rival hackers who take advantage of ctOS (central Operating System), a fictional computing network that connects every electronic device in a city together into a single system and stores personal information on most citizens. The player also has access to ctOS, which can be used to control various devices to assist them in combat, stealth, or solving puzzles.

The games have received generally positive reviews for their gameplay elements, mission structure, and world design, with criticism for frequent technical issues, while the narratives and characters have garnered mixed reactions. The series has been financially successful, with lifetime sales for the first two games exceeding 20 million units in total.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamesinsider.biz/news/71100/ubisoft-has-11-current-generation-titles-that-have-sold-10-million-copies/|title=Ubisoft has 11 current generation titles that have sold 10 million copies|date=May 15, 2020 |access-date=October 7, 2020|archive-date=December 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203094415/https://www.pcgamesinsider.biz/news/71100/ubisoft-has-11-current-generation-titles-that-have-sold-10-million-copies/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Games==
{{Video game timeline
| range1 = 2014 - 2021
| range1_color = #41abd3 #2C7089
| subtitle = 
| 2014a = '''''[[Software:Watch Dogs (video game)|Watch Dogs]]'''''
| 2014b = ''[[Software:Watch Dogs (video game)#Release|Watch Dogs: Bad Blood]]''
| 2016 = '''''[[Software:Watch Dogs 2|Watch Dogs 2]]'''''
| 2020 = '''''[[Software:Watch Dogs: Legion]]'''''
| 2021 = ''[[Software:Watch Dogs: Legion#Bloodline|Watch Dogs: Legion – Bloodline]]''}}

===''Watch Dogs'' (2014)===
{{main|Software:Watch Dogs (video game)}}
Set within a fictionalized version of the Chicago metropolitan area in 2013, the first installment in the series follows [[Grey hat|gray hat]] hacker and vigilante Aiden Pearce's quest for revenge after the killing of his niece. The game's development began in 2009, with a budget of $68 million.<ref name="Cook-Jan2014">{{cite web|last=Cook|first=Dave|date=January 16, 2014|title=Watch Dogs: pre-delay budget was $68 million, producer claims|url=https://www.vg247.com/2014/01/16/watch-dogs-pre-delay-budget-was-68-million-before-marketing-producer-claims/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171012212521/https://www.vg247.com/2014/01/16/watch-dogs-pre-delay-budget-was-68-million-before-marketing-producer-claims/|archive-date=October 12, 2017|website=VG247}}</ref><ref name="Dutton-May2013">{{cite web|last=Dutton|first=Fred|date=May 16, 2013|title=Watch_Dogs: Behind the scenes with 2013's rule-breaking action epic|url=https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2013/05/16/watch_dogs-behind-the-scenes-with-2013s-rule-breaking-action-epic/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180111035115/https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2013/05/16/watch_dogs-behind-the-scenes-with-2013s-rule-breaking-action-epic/|archive-date=January 11, 2018|website=PlayStation Blog}}</ref> ''Watch Dogs'' was derived from a potential sequel from the ''Driver'' series which had been in development at [[Company:Ubisoft Montreal|Ubisoft Montreal]] coincident to ''[[Software:Driver: San Francisco]]'' at [[Company:Ubisoft Reflections|Ubisoft Reflections]] and was released in 2011. ''Driver: San Francisco'' did not have a strong commercial performance, leading to the ''Driver'' game at Montreal being reworked into one that focused on hacking but still incorporated driving elements.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2021/05/24/watch-dogs-driver-connection-cancelled-game/ | title = Inside the Driver game that died so that Watch Dogs could live | first = Jeremy | last = Peel | date = May 24, 2021 | accessdate = May 24, 2021 | work = VG247 | archive-date = May 24, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210524130557/https://www.vg247.com/2021/05/24/watch-dogs-driver-connection-cancelled-game/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Ubisoft Montreal was ''Watch Dogs''{{'}} lead developer, with additional support provided by Ubisoft Reflections, Ubisoft Paris, [[Company:Ubisoft Quebec|Ubisoft Quebec]], and Ubisoft Bucharest.<ref name="Brightman-May2014">{{cite web|last=Brightman|first=James|date=May 15, 2014|title=Watch Dogs becomes Ubisoft's most pre-ordered new IP|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-05-15-watch-dogs-becomes-ubisofts-most-pre-ordered-new-ip|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141001120922/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-05-15-watch-dogs-becomes-ubisofts-most-pre-ordered-new-ip|archive-date=October 1, 2014|website=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref> The game was heavily anticipated following its gameplay reveal at E3 2012, though the final game, which was accused of graphical downgrading, triggered controversy.<ref name="GameSpot-Mar2014">{{cite web|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|date=March 7, 2014|title=Watch Dogs visuals have not been downgraded, Ubisoft says|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-visuals-have-not-been-downgraded-ubisoft-says/1100-6418171/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140308021757/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-visuals-have-not-been-downgraded-ubisoft-says/1100-6418171/|archive-date=March 8, 2014|website=GameSpot}}</ref> The game was released for [[Software:Windows|Windows]], [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]], [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]], [[Engineering:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]] and [[Engineering:Xbox One|Xbox One]] in May 2014, and a [[Engineering:Wii U|Wii U]] version was released in November 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Matulef|first=Jeffery|date=September 10, 2014|title=Watch Dogs Wii U gets a November release date|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-10-watch-dogs-wii-u-gets-a-november-release-date|access-date=August 21, 2020|work=Eurogamer|archive-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917231217/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-10-watch-dogs-wii-u-gets-a-november-release-date|url-status=live}}</ref> 

[[Software:Downloadable content|Downloadable content]] (DLC) for the game, titled ''Watch Dogs: Bad Blood'', was released in September 2014. Starring Raymond "T-Bone" Kenney, a major supporting character from the base game, as the playable protagonist, the DLC adds ten story missions, new "Street Sweep" contracts, as wells as new weapons, outfits, side missions, and an RC car.<ref>{{cite web|last=Devore|first=Jordan|date=September 3, 2014|title=Watch Dogs: Bad Blood stars a different playable character|url=https://www.destructoid.com/stories/watch-dogs-bad-blood-stars-a-different-playable-character-280603.phtml|access-date=August 21, 2020|work=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815015045/https://www.destructoid.com/stories/watch-dogs-bad-blood-stars-a-different-playable-character-280603.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

===''Watch Dogs 2'' (2016)===
{{main|Software:Watch Dogs 2}}
Set within a fictionalized version of the San Francisco Bay Area in 2016, ''Watch Dogs 2'' follows the story of hacker Marcus Holloway, who is punished for a crime he did not commit through ctOS 2.0, and joins the hacking group DedSec in their efforts to raise social awareness about the dangers posed by ctOS 2.0. and expose the corruption of its creators, the Blume Corporation. This installment expanded upon the multiplayer options from the first game and introduced new weapons and gadgets. Unlike ''Watch Dogs'', the game features a much more vibrant and optimistic tone.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Matt|date=November 28, 2016|title=Watch Dogs 2 walkthrough: Guide and tips to everything you can do in the open-world sequel|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-11-28-watch-dogs-2-walkthrough-guide-4826|access-date=August 21, 2020|work=Eurogamer|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101025311/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-11-28-watch-dogs-2-walkthrough-guide-4826|url-status=live}}</ref> Ubisoft Montreal was the game's lead developer, with Ubisoft's studios in Toronto, Paris, Bucharest, Kyiv and Newcastle assisting the development.<ref name="subsidiaries">{{cite news|last=van der Linde|first=Damon|date=June 8, 2016|title=Ubisoft's Watch Dogs 2 looks at the sunnier side of Big Brother|url=http://business.financialpost.com/fp-tech-desk/post-arcade/ubisofts-watch-dogs-2-looks-at-the-sunnier-side-of-big-brother|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170609023946/http://business.financialpost.com/fp-tech-desk/post-arcade/ubisofts-watch-dogs-2-looks-at-the-sunnier-side-of-big-brother|archive-date=June 9, 2017|website=National Post}}</ref> ''Watch Dogs 2'' was released in November 2016 for Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.<ref>{{cite web |last=Saed |first=Sherif |date=June 7, 2016 |title=Watch Dogs 2 November release date and San Francisco setting confirmed |url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/06/07/watch-dogs-2-november-release-date-and-san-francisco-setting-confirmed/ |access-date=August 21, 2020 |work=VG 247 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108142337/https://www.vg247.com/2016/06/07/watch-dogs-2-november-release-date-and-san-francisco-setting-confirmed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 

Five downloadable content packs for the game have been released: the "T-Bone Content Bundle", "Human Conditions", "No Compromise", "Root Access Bundle", and "Psychedelic Pack".<ref name="t bone">{{cite web|url=http://blog.ubi.com/watch-dogs-2-season-pass-detailed/|title=Watch Dogs 2 Season Pass Detailed|first=Giancarlo|last=Varanini|date=November 2, 2016|website=[[Company:Ubisoft|Ubisoft]]|archive-date=November 24, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161124005659/http://blog.ubi.com/watch-dogs-2-season-pass-detailed/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="psychedelic root">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/11/02/watch-dogs-2-season-pass-dlc-details/|title=The $40 ''Watch Dogs 2'' Season Pass includes new stories, clothes|first=Jessica|last=Conditt|date=November 3, 2016|website=[[Software:Engadget|Engadget]]|archive-date=November 24, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161124005722/https://www.engadget.com/2016/11/02/watch-dogs-2-season-pass-dlc-details/|url-status=live}}</ref> As per an exclusivity agreement with [[Company:Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Interactive Entertainment]], all DLCs were timed exclusives for PlayStation 4,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/e3/2016/6/13/11926044/watch-dogs-2-dlc-to-be-exclusive-to-playstation-4-for-30-days|title=Watch Dogs 2 DLC to be exclusive to PlayStation 4 for 30 days|first=Ben|last=Kuchera|date=June 13, 2016|website=Polygon|archive-date=June 13, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160613223103/http://www.polygon.com/e3/2016/6/13/11926044/watch-dogs-2-dlc-to-be-exclusive-to-playstation-4-for-30-days|url-status=live}}</ref> but in 2017 were made available for other platforms as well.
*''Root Access Bundle'' (available in December 2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/12/08/watch-dogs-2-root-access-bundle-available-now/239126/|title=Watch Dogs 2 Root Access Bundle Available Now|first=Chris|last=Shive|date=December 8, 2016|website=Hardcore Gamer|archive-date=June 7, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170607033710/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/12/08/watch-dogs-2-root-access-bundle-available-now/239126/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''Psychedelic Pack'' (available on launch day) feature a Zodiac Killer mission as well as new outfits, cars, skins, and weapons.<ref name="t bone" /><ref name="psychedelic root" /> 
*The ''T-Bone Content Bundle'' was released for PlayStation 4 on December 22, 2016,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-2s-first-dlc-pushed-back-due-to-time-sp/1100-6446143/|title=Watch Dogs 2's First DLC Pushed Back Due to Time Spent on Patches|first=Chris|last=Pereira|date=December 9, 2016|website=GameSpot|archive-date=June 7, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170607032209/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-2s-first-dlc-pushed-back-due-to-time-sp/1100-6446143/|url-status=live}}</ref> and includes a new co-op difficulty setting, "Mayhem", plus the clothes and truck of Raymond "T-Bone" Kenney.<ref name="t bone" /><ref name="psychedelic root" /> 
*''Human Conditions'' was released on February 21, 2017, for the PlayStation 4 and on March 23 for the Xbox One and PC,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2017/02/17/watch-dogs-2-human-conditions-dlc-adds-five-hours-of-content-video-takes-a-look-at-two-new-missions/|title=Watch Dogs 2 Human Conditions DLC adds five hours of content, video takes a look at two new missions|first=Stephany|last=Nunneley|date=February 17, 2017|website=VG247|archive-date=June 7, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170607032758/http://www.vg247.com/2017/02/17/watch-dogs-2-human-conditions-dlc-adds-five-hours-of-content-video-takes-a-look-at-two-new-missions/|url-status=live}}</ref> and includes three new stories set in San Francisco's science and medicine industries. The pack also includes new co-op missions featuring a new enemy class called "the Jammer", a technologically savvy enemy capable of jamming all of a player's hacker equipment, making them vulnerable to head-on attacks.<ref name="t bone" /><ref name="psychedelic root" /> 
*''No Compromise'' was released on April 18, 2017, for PlayStation 4 and was launched on May 18 for Xbox One and PC, featuring a new story mission, outfits and weapons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.ubi.com/watch-dogs-2-no-compromise-dlc-available-now-ps4/|title=Watch Dogs 2 No Compromise DLC Available Now on PS4|first=Chris|last=Watters|date=April 18, 2017|website=[[Company:Ubisoft|Ubisoft]]|archive-date=June 7, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170607033102/http://blog.ubi.com/watch-dogs-2-no-compromise-dlc-available-now-ps4/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===''Watch Dogs: Legion'' (2020)===
{{main|Software:Watch Dogs: Legion}}
Set within a fictionalised representation of a futuristic, dystopian [[Place:London|London]], ''Watch Dogs: Legion'' follows the local branch of DedSec as they seek to clear their names after being framed for a series of terrorist bombings. DedSec also attempt to liberate London's citizens from the control of Albion, an oppressive [[Finance:Private military company|private military company]] which turned the city into a surveillance state following the bombings.<ref>{{cite web|last=Vincent|first=Brittany|date=July 12, 2020|title=Watch Dogs: Legion lets you build your own team of hackers to save London|url=https://us.cnn.com/2020/07/12/cnn-underscored/watch-dogs-legion-hands-on/index.html|access-date=August 21, 2020|work=CNN|archive-date=July 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713144322/https://us.cnn.com/2020/07/12/cnn-underscored/watch-dogs-legion-hands-on/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The game introduces a multiple playable characters system, allowing players to recruit virtually any [[Software:Non-player character|NPC]] found in the game's [[Software:Open world|open world]]. Each playable character has their own unique skills and backgrounds, and can be lost permanently if players enable the option of [[Software:Permadeath|permadeath]] before starting a new game. There are multiple ways to complete missions depending on which playable character is selected.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sheridan|first=Connor|date=July 17, 2020|title=Who would make the best Watch Dogs: Legion NPC?|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/who-would-make-the-best-watch-dogs-legion-npc/|access-date=August 21, 2020|work=GamesRadar|archive-date=August 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817113708/https://www.gamesradar.com/who-would-make-the-best-watch-dogs-legion-npc/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Company:Ubisoft Toronto|Ubisoft Toronto]] led the game's development, with Clint Hocking serving as its creative director.<ref>{{cite web |last=Higham |first=Michael |date=July 12, 2020 |title=Watch Dogs: Legion Director Clint Hocking On Embracing Its Political Themes |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-legion-director-clint-hocking-on-embrac/1100-6479607/ |access-date=August 21, 2020 |work=GameSpot |archive-date=July 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730085313/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-legion-director-clint-hocking-on-embrac/1100-6479607/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Legion'' was released for Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and [[Software:Google Stadia|Stadia]] on October 29, 2020; [[Engineering:PlayStation 5|PlayStation 5]] and [[Engineering:Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]] versions were also made available once the consoles released.<ref name="Purslow-Oct2019">{{Cite web|last=Purslow|first=Matt|date=October 31, 2019|title=Watch Dogs Legion, Rainbow Six Quarantine, and Gods and Monsters Are Now Next-Generation PS5 and Xbox Scarlett Games|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/31/watch-dogs-legion-rainbow-six-quarantine-and-gods-and-monsters-are-now-cross-generation-games|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103174409/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/31/watch-dogs-legion-rainbow-six-quarantine-and-gods-and-monsters-are-now-cross-generation-games|archive-date=November 3, 2019|access-date=November 4, 2019|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|language=en}}</ref>

The game's online multiplayer component, which was delayed from its planned December 3 release to March 2021,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Arora|first=Akhil|date=March 9, 2021|title=Watch Dogs: Legion Online Multiplayer Delayed for PC, Again — This Time Indefinitely|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/games/news/watch-dogs-legion-online-pc-delay-tactical-ops-mode-ps4-ps5-chat-issue-fix-date-2385944|url-status=live|access-date=March 20, 2021|website=Gadgets 360|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310235919/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/games/news/watch-dogs-legion-online-pc-delay-tactical-ops-mode-ps4-ps5-chat-issue-fix-date-2385944}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Boudreau|first=Ian|date=March 19, 2021|title=Watch Dogs Legion's online mode has arrived on PC|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/watch-dogs-legion/online-mode-pc-release|url-status=live|access-date=March 20, 2021|website=PCGamesN|publisher=Network N|archive-date=March 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320011857/https://www.pcgamesn.com/watch-dogs-legion/online-mode-pc-release}}</ref> allows up to four players to complete exclusive cooperative missions, participate in various competitive game modes, or simply explore London together. Following its release, ''Legion'' was supported with several free updates that added new missions, game modes, and characters, including a number of special operatives, such as Mina Sidhu, a former test subject who has gained mind-control powers; Aiden Pearce, returning from the original ''Watch Dogs''; Wrench, a major supporting character from ''Watch Dogs 2''; and Darcy Clarkson, a member of the [[Organization:Order of Assassins|Assassin Brotherhood]], as part of a non-canonical crossover with Ubisoft's ''[[Software:Assassin's Creed|Assassin's Creed]]'' franchise.<ref name="VG247 post-launch">{{cite web|last=Nunneley|first=Stephanny|date=October 6, 2020|title=Watch Dogs: Legion trailer focuses on story, post-release content detailed|url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/10/06/watch-dogs-legion-trailer-focuses-story-post-release-content-detailed/|access-date=October 19, 2020|work=VG 247|archive-date=November 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104004638/https://www.vg247.com/2020/10/06/watch-dogs-legion-trailer-focuses-story-post-release-content-detailed/|url-status=live}}</ref> A paid story expansion titled ''Watch Dogs: Legion – Bloodline'', featuring Aiden and Wrench in a new storyline set after their respective games but before the events of ''Legion''{{'}}s main campaign, was released on July 6, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|last=S. Good|first=Owen|date=June 12, 2021|title=Watch Dogs: Legion's first premium expansion, Bloodline, launches in July|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/22531063/watch-dogs-legion-bloodline-expansion-release-date-aiden-pearce-wrench|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613005058/https://www.polygon.com/e3/22531063/watch-dogs-legion-bloodline-expansion-release-date-aiden-pearce-wrench|archive-date=June 13, 2021|work=Polygon|accessdate=June 13, 2021}}</ref>

==Common elements==
===Gameplay===
The ''Watch Dogs'' series is part of a genre known as [[Software:Open world|sandbox games]]. The series combines elements of action, adventure, stealth and vehicular gameplay. The player can freely roam the virtual world on foot or by use of vehicles and make use of an array of weapon and melee-based combat. Illegal activities such as assaulting [[Software:Non-player character|non-player characters]] (NPCs) will instigate a proactive and usually lethal response from authoritative figures. In the instance of death, the player will respawn near the area where they were killed.

In each game, the player assumes control of a hacker, who can hack into various electronic devices connected to the fictional ctOS system with their in-game smartphone.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 29, 2014|title=How Close is Watch Dogs to Real Life?|url=https://www.kotaku.co.uk/2014/04/29/close-watch-dogs-real-life|access-date=August 21, 2020|work=Kotaku|archive-date=September 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908070143/https://www.kotaku.co.uk/2014/04/29/close-watch-dogs-real-life|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=J. Seppala|first=Timothy|date=May 23, 2014|title=The real-life hacking behind Watch Dogs' virtual world|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014-05-23-watch-dogs-hacking-kaspersky.html|access-date=August 21, 2020|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928041651/https://www.engadget.com/2014-05-23-watch-dogs-hacking-kaspersky.html|url-status=live}}</ref> While most of the abilities granted by ctOS are useful for solving puzzles or in stealth sections, the player can make use of them at almost any given time during gameplay to create different scenarios, such as hacking into the traffic lights to create a traffic jam or calling the police on unsuspecting NPCs. In each game, the player can level up and unlock new hacker abilities and gadgets. In ''Watch Dogs 2'', more weapons and hacker gadgets were introduced, such as a [[Engineering:Taser|taser]] and a [[Engineering:Quadcopter|quadcopter]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/watch-dogs-2-are-hacks-real/|title=Watch Dogs 2: How real are the hacks in Ubisoft's techno-thriller?|first=Sean|last=Hollister|work=CNET|date=November 14, 2016|access-date=August 21, 2020|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108104710/https://www.cnet.com/news/watch-dogs-2-are-hacks-real/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Setting===
The ''Watch Dogs'' games take place in fictionalized versions of real-life cities that have implemented ctOS. ''Watch Dogs'' is set in the Chicago area, ''Watch Dogs 2'' in the San Francisco Bay Area, and ''Watch Dogs: Legion'' in Greater London. While the first two games take place during modern times, ''Legion'' is set in the "near future" (circa 2030), depicting significant advancements in technology.

==Reception==
{{VG Series Reviews|game1=[[Software:Watch Dogs (video game)|Watch Dogs]]|mc1=(PC) 77/100 <br /> (PS4) 80/100 <br /> (XONE) 78/100 <br /> (WIIU) 62/100|game2=[[Software:Watch Dogs 2|Watch Dogs 2]]|mc2=(PC) 75/100<br>(PS4) 82/100<br>(XONE) 81/100|game3=[[Software:Watch Dogs: Legion]]|mc3=(PC) 72/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/watch-dogs-legion/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Watch Dogs: Legion for PC Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=1 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101022954/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/watch-dogs-legion |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS4) 70/100<ref name="MCPS4">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/watch-dogs-legion/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Watch Dogs: Legion for PlayStation 4 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126132841/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/watch-dogs-legion |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS5) 66/100<ref name="MCPS5">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/watch-dogs-legion/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=Watch Dogs: Legion for PlayStation 5 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=18 December 2020 |archive-date=15 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215201030/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/watch-dogs-legion |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(XONE) 76/100<ref name="MCXONE">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/watch-dogs-legion/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Watch Dogs: Legion for Xbox One Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=1 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101015222/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/watch-dogs-legion |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(XSX) 74/100<ref name="MCXSXS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/watch-dogs-legion/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=Watch Dogs: Legion for Xbox Series X Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=27 November 2020 |archive-date=28 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228030323/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-series-x/watch-dogs-legion |url-status=live }}</ref>}}''Watch Dogs'' received generally positive reviews despite criticism aimed at certain technical issues, the discrepancy in graphical quality between marketing and the real game, narrative, and protagonist. It sold more than 10 million copies by the end of 2014.<ref name="MC-PC">{{cite web |title=Watch Dogs PC |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/watch-dogs/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180110180406/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/watch-dogs/critic-reviews |archive-date=January 10, 2018 |website=Metacritic}}</ref><ref name="Ubisoft-Feb2015">{{cite web |author=[[Company:Ubisoft|Ubisoft]] |date=February 12, 2015 |title=Ubisoft® reports third quarter 2014-15 sales |url=https://www.ubisoftgroup.com/comsite_common/en-US/images/pressrelease_downloadablemm_20150212_050959_ubisoftq3fy15englishfinaltcm99193930.pdf |archive-date=February 13, 2015 |access-date=August 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213212843/https://www.ubisoftgroup.com/comsite_common/en-US/images/pressrelease_downloadablemm_20150212_050959_ubisoftq3fy15englishfinaltcm99193930.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Watch Dogs 2'' received generally positive reviews upon release, with critics generally regarding it as an improvement over the original game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=November 14, 2016 |title=Watch Dogs 2 Is Exactly What The Original Game Should Have Been |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/14/13618832/watch-dogs-2-pc-ps4-xbox-review |access-date=August 21, 2020 |work=[[The Verge]] |archive-date=July 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715155550/https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/14/13618832/watch-dogs-2-pc-ps4-xbox-review |url-status=live }}</ref> While the game struggled at launch commercially, more than 10 million units were sold by 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last=O'Connor |first=James |date=May 14, 2020 |title=Ubisoft Has 11 Games That Have Sold Over 10 Million Copies This Gen, And Some Are Surprising |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-has-11-games-that-have-sold-over-10-millio/1100-6477303/ |access-date=August 21, 2020 |work=GameSpot |archive-date=May 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521152014/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-has-11-games-that-have-sold-over-10-millio/1100-6477303/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Watch Dogs: Legion'' received overall mixed reviews. Critics were polarized over the multiple playable characters aspect, with some appreciating its diversity and the inclusion of permadeath for allowing emotional attachment from players, while others criticized the characters' lack of personality and the imbalance between their abilities. Criticism was further aimed at the game's world, driving mechanics, inconsistent difficulty, repetitive missions, online features and technical problems.

==Other media==
===Literature===
An eBook, ''Watch Dogs //n/Dark Clouds'' by John Shirley, which serves as a direct continuation of the first game, was released alongside it in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Macy|first=Seth G.|date=April 17, 2014|title=Ubisoft Announces Watch Dogs eBook|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/17/ubisoft-announces-watch-dogs-ebook|website=IGN|access-date=May 6, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140918053004/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/17/ubisoft-announces-watch-dogs-ebook|url-status=live}}</ref> A two-part comic book miniseries, ''Watch Dogs: Return to Rocinha'', was published by Titan Comics in 2019 and follows Sauda, a young hacker from Brazil's slums who joins DedSec to fight against the local criminal underworld. A ''Watch Dogs: Legion'' prequel novel, titled ''Day Zero'', and a companion book, titled ''Resistance Report'', were published by Aconyte Book and Insight Editions, respectively, prior to the game's release.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Watch Dogs: Legion books available now |url=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/watch-dogs/legion/news-updates/22mhDFQlpEkl6UxCQ7EHFL/new-watch-dogs-legion-books-available-now |website=[[Company:Ubisoft|Ubisoft]] |access-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-date=May 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510144353/https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/watch-dogs/legion/news-updates/22mhDFQlpEkl6UxCQ7EHFL/new-watch-dogs-legion-books-available-now |url-status=live }}</ref> A [[Engineering:Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] comic book series was released monthly beginning in November 2021 by [[Company:Behemoth (entertainment company)|Behemoth]] in the United States and in two collected editions in France by Glénat.<ref name="Watch Dogs Legion Novels">{{cite web |date=2 September 2021 |title=Introducing Watch Dogs: Legion Graphic Novels and More |url=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-ca/game/watch-dogs/legion/news-updates/5FTvWxcIIz3STaKI6mOig9/introducing-watch-dogs-legion-graphic-novels-and-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212163908/https://www.ubisoft.com/en-ca/game/watch-dogs/legion/news-updates/5FTvWxcIIz3STaKI6mOig9/introducing-watch-dogs-legion-graphic-novels-and-more |archive-date=12 December 2022 |access-date=4 November 2022 |website=Ubisoft}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Scheeden |first=Jesse |date=6 July 2021 |title=Watch Dogs Legion Comic Book Will Expand on the Game's Universe |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/watch-dogs-legion-comic-behemoth-ubisoft-preview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212163908/https://www.ign.com/articles/watch-dogs-legion-comic-behemoth-ubisoft-preview |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |access-date=November 4, 2022 |website=IGN}}</ref> A prequel novel to the ''Watch Dogs: Legion – Bloodline'' expansion, titled ''Stars and Stripes'', which follows Aiden Pearce and bridges the gap between the events of ''Watch Dogs'' and ''Legion'', was published by Aconyte Books in April 2022.<ref name="Watch Dogs Legion Novels" />

===Film adaptation===
In 2013, it was rumored that a film adaptation of the first ''Watch Dogs'' game was in development by Ubisoft Film & Television, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and New Regency.<ref name="Graser-Jun2013">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/ubisoft-to-make-movies-based-on-watch-dogs-far-cry-rabbids-exclusive-1200496209/|title=Ubisoft To Make Movies Based on 'Watch Dogs,' 'Far Cry,' 'Rabbids' (EXCLUSIVE)|first=Marc|last=Graser|date=June 12, 2013|website=Variety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425025934/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/ubisoft-to-make-movies-based-on-watch-dogs-far-cry-rabbids-exclusive-1200496209/|archive-date=April 25, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kain-Aug2013">{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2013/08/20/sony-and-ubisoft-team-up-on-watch-dogs-feature-film/#4370b5c23522|title=Sony And Ubisoft Team Up On 'Watch Dogs' Feature Film|first=Erik|last=Kain|date=August 20, 2013|website=Forbes|archive-date=October 12, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171012192111/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2013/08/20/sony-and-ubisoft-team-up-on-watch-dogs-feature-film/%234370b5c23522|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese were commissioned to write the film.<ref name="FlemingJr-Apr2014">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/04/zombieland-scribes-wernick-reese-to-script-ubisofts-watch-dogs-for-sony-new-regency-719332/|title='Zombieland' Scribes Wernick & Reese To Script Ubisoft's 'Watch Dogs' For Sony & New Regency: Video|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming|date=April 24, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=January 9, 2018|access-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180109030818/http://deadline.com/2014/04/zombieland-scribes-wernick-reese-to-script-ubisofts-watch-dogs-for-sony-new-regency-719332/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, [[Software:Engadget|Engadget]] published an article stating that the film was still in development and that Ubisoft planned to make film renditions for all of its franchises.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-06-13 |title=Ubisoft is still making a 'Watch Dogs' movie |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016-06-13-ubisoft-is-still-making-a-watch-dogs-movie.html |access-date=2024-03-09 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}</ref> The film remained in [[Software:Development hell|development hell]] for over seven years, until 2024, when it was reported that Sophie Wilde was set to star in the film, with Mathieu Turi directing and Christie LeBlanc writing an original screenplay.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=2024-03-08 |title='Watch Dogs' Movie In The Works At New Regency With 'Talk To Me' Breakout Sophie Wilde Starring |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/watch-dogs-movie-talk-to-me-sophie-wilde-1235849646/ |access-date=2024-03-09 |website=Deadline Hollywood|language=en-US}}</ref> In June, Tom Blyth joined Wilde.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=2024-06-05 |title='Hunger Games' Star Tom Blyth Joins Sophie Wilde In New Regency's 'Watch Dogs' Adaptation |url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/hunger-games-tom-blyth-sophie-wilde-watch-dogs-movie-1235958776/ |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US}}</ref> In July, Ubisoft announced that filming had officially begun.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Danny |date=2024-07-03 |title=The Watch Dogs movie has finally started filming after 10 years |url=https://www.engadget.com/the-watch-dogs-movie-has-finally-started-filming-after-10-years-201040830.html |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Animated series===
In 2019, it was reported that a ''Watch Dogs''-inspired "cybermystery" animated television series was in development. Unlike the video games, which are rated M, the series would be aimed at [[Software:Tween|tweens]] and would follow a teenage “super hacker” protagonist who solves crimes in her high school.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shanley|first=Patrick|date=October 10, 2019|title=Ubisoft Planning Animated TV Adaptations of Popular Game Franchises (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ubisoft-planning-animated-tv-adaptations-popular-game-franchises-1246162|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=May 6, 2021|archive-date=October 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010153341/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ubisoft-planning-animated-tv-adaptations-popular-game-franchises-1246162|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Audio drama===
An interactive audio drama, ''Watch Dogs: Truth'', was released in November 2024. It is set after the events of ''Watch Dogs: Legion''.<ref name="IGN-Truth">{{cite web |last1=Yin-Poole |first1=Wesley |title=As the Wait for Watch Dogs 4 Continues, Official Watch Dogs Audible Interactive Audio Experience Continues the Story |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/as-the-wait-for-watch-dogs-4-continues-official-watch-dogs-audible-interactive-audio-experience-continues-the-story |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=29 November 2024 |date=28 November 2024}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Watch Dogs}}
{{Ubisoft}}

[[Category:Action-adventure games]]

{{Sourceattribution|Watch Dogs}}