However, that doesn’t mean the Ubisoft PR team has gone dark. Now that E3 is behind them, with a November 19th release date looming head, the developer is offering answers to questions from the latest round of gameplay demos - presumably before they start ramping up pre-launch reveals and marketing.
In an effort to address some of the biggest “frequently asked questions,” Ubisoft Communications Associate Anne Lewis took to the developer’s blog and offered-up some intriguing behind-the-scenes insight. Lewis touches on a number of subjects, including the game’s gorgeous Disrupt engine, immersive environmental effects, dynamic AI inhabitants, and robust reputation system, so make sure to check out the full article over at the Official Ubisoft Blog.
That said, one of the more interesting answers provided was in regard to concerns that Watch Dogs’ open-world multiplayer might actually have a negative impact on the single player experience. Lewis points out that the balance between multiplayer and campaign experiences have been carefully considered and the team included plenty of options to ensure that a gamer’s immersion (and fun) isn’t ruined by invading online players:
Among players who are interested in the title, the frequency and implementation of outside players invading the campaign was a chief concern. It’s a relief to know that the multiplayer elements will be somewhat subtle and won’t allow online players to interrupt advancement in single player missions or story progression. Similarly, it’s not a stretch to imagine that some Watch Dogs gamers will not want to bother (or be bothered) with the hacking multiplayer mechanic, so it’s good to hear the feature can also be disabled entirely.
“Though the engine is built with this connectivity in mind, it can be turned off for players who prefer to explore unhindered by any outside influences. The multiplayer will also be unavailable during story missions, so you don’t need to worry about hackers while you’re in the middle of an important moment.”
In addition, Lewis mitigated rumors that current-generation gamers would be missing key Watch Dogs features (features that would only be available on PS4 and Xbox One) - promising that PS3 and Xbox 360 gamers would not be missing any features:
Still, Lewis also made sure to toe the company line and tout the benefits of Disrupt engine on next-generation hardware, quoting Senior Producer Dominic Guay:
No doubt, many gamers are planning to play Watch Dogs on the PS4 or Xbox One (though you’d better hurry, console pre-orders are selling out) but it’s good to know that Ubisoft fans who aren’t ready to take the next-generation plunge will still get to enjoy the developer’s latest game without any significant alterations.
Watch Dogs releases November 19, 2013 for the PC, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii U, and will also be available for the PS4 and Xbox One.
Follow me on Twitter @benkendrick for further updates on Watch Dogs as well as future movie, TV, and gaming news.
Source: Ubisoft
