'Watchdogs 2' release dates, news: Ubisoft to release 2 online multiplayer modes

Ubisoft has announced in its Gamescom reveal this week that it has added two online multiplayer modes to the second installment of its action-adventure open world game "Watchdogs."

The developer confirmed at this year's interactive games event in Cologne, Germany that the player-versus-player "Hacking Invasion" mode will be added in the upcoming "Watch Dogs 2." For the uninitiated, players are required to turn against a fellow hacker and steal data with stealth. In this dog-eat-dog multiplayer mode, players are expected to exercise extreme vigilance to avoid being caught or being hacked by other players. Moreover, gamers are expected to employ all tools at their disposal to apprehend the hacker before it's too late.

Of course, the Hacking Invasion mode is not entirely an every-man-for-himself scenario. As reported by Polygon, players are also allowed to team up with a friend to carry out co-op missions in the game.

Ubisoft also mentioned the addition of a new exhilarating online multiplayer mode called Bounty Hunter per IGN report. To activate a bounty hunt, players should attract a considerable amount of police attention to trigger a chase. The other option is to invite up to three players to run after and take down the fleeing target. The objective is simply to avoid getting caught by the pursuing parties if you were the target.

Meanwhile, game director Danny Belanger recently said that "Watch Dog 2" is committed to minimizing violence rather than glorifying it. He even added that the game's "non-lethal playthrough" will allow players to finish the entire campaign without employing deadly violence on anyone.

"Absolutely. One of our goals is to support non-lethal. We're trying to do more than that, but right now what I can say is, definitely non-lethal is possible. And it's actually one of the values we want to push in this game," Belanger confirmed in a recent interview with Game Spot.

Non-lethal playstyle is becoming a trend among action games incorporating less violent themes and mechanics in their storylines and campaigns including "Dishonored," "Deus Ex: Human Revolution," and "Metal Gear Solid V" to name a few.

"Watch Dogs 2" is slated for Nov. 15 launch this year on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.