Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Watch Dogs has been delayed. Once the first example of what was possible on next-generation hardware, Ubisoft’s open-world action adventure is now slated to release six months after the launches of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. As for the Wii U version, well, that’s another story all together.
It’s hard not to be frustrated, especially if you had pre-ordered one of the Watch Dog console bundles before launch. The very game that made you want one of these new consoles is still a few months from release. Sure, both consoles will get exclusives in March, with Infamous: Second Son hitting up PS4 and Titanfall dropping in on Xbox One, but they are not the game you wanted to play back in November. That’s why people are upset with Ubisoft.
Some have begun to wonder if the game’s quality is the cause for the delays. It’s not a far-fetched idea, but it’s silly to believe that when the game finally does release, it won’t match its lofty expectations. As we recall from last year, Ubisoft has made one thing clear: they’re in the business of making franchises. Watch Dogs is no different, with sequels for the game expected. That’s right: sequels, as in multiple followups. Considering their treatment of Assassin’s Creed, it’s as if the publisher wants to have another cow ready to milk.
It’d be a shame, though, if that cow was spoiled before the milking even began. Perhaps Watch Dogs is going to be an example of “a delayed game will eventually be a great game.” Could you blame them if this was true? You can’t make money off of sequels when the original isn’t up to par. But it’s hard to give Ubisoft the benefit of the doubt here, especially considering how badly they messed up the release of Rayman Legends last year.
The latest Watch Dogs delay does do some good, though. It pushes the game into a release window that isn’t heavily occupied. It’s gone from the shadows of Dark Souls II, Titanfall, and Infamous. It’s long gone from the crowded holiday line-up. Maybe that’s all it needs: just a quiet, isolated spring time release. I hear Chicago is nice in the spring. Let’s hope that the digital version is too; let’s hope that this wait is all worth it.
Jake Valentine isn't afraid to speak his mind, no matter how different his opinion may be. He does this often on Twitter, where you can follow him @hop3less. Just be prepared for lots of board games, Magic: the Gathering, sports, wrestling, and food.
