'Watch Dogs 2' release date, news and updates: Ubisoft comments on plunge in sales compared to first game
Ubisoft's latest installment in the "Watch Dogs" franchise has been receiving a lot of good reviews ever since its release, but the game is reportedly underperforming in the market with an 80 percent drop in sales compared to its predecessor. Ubisoft decided to make an official statement concerning these numbers, and it remains positive that "Watch Dogs 2" could eventually get the buzz that it deserves.
The official statement provided to IGN goes: "We're incredibly happy with critics' and players' very positive reception of 'Watch Dogs 2,' which should bolster support for the long-term success of the game. It is true that first-day and first-week sales for a number of big games, including 'Watch Dogs 2' and titles from our competitors, are comparatively lower than previous versions in previous years... We expect both week-two and week-three sales to be above traditional sales patterns. There is a trend toward games, especially high-quality games, having stronger and longer 'tails' as favorable reviews and word of mouth spread. "
It then goes on to say that "Watch Dogs 2" is a big addition to the open-world, action genre, and that it hopes players eventually pick up the game as time passes by.
Just like in the statement, "Watch Dogs" isn't the only ambitious title that seems to be underperforming upon its release. Other sites have pointed out that "Dishonored 2" and "Titanfall 2" are going through the same problem — though the games have been getting good reviews, sales have been devastatingly low.
It is also speculated that with low sales on the second game, it's possible that Ubisoft may axe the franchise altogether, killing any chances for "Watch Dogs 3."
Only time will tell if "Watch Dogs 2" can perform as well as its predecessor.
"Watch Dogs 2" is now available for purchase for consoles and will be available for PC on Tuesday, Nov. 29.