Watch_Dogs 2 Dev Explains Why Ubisoft Changed Driving From Simulation to Arcade

While the main point of contention surrounding Watch_Dogs at launch was the supposed graphics downgrade, there was besides a strong split betwixt those who loved the driving controls and those who hated them.

The game was more similar to a simulation racing game than the accessible, arcade-like style of Grand Theft Auto. For Watch_Dogs 2, Ubisoft decided to make a complete turnaround on this particular gameplay element.

In an interview with Stevivor, Senior Producer Dominic Guay explained the change in detail.

I'm no physics expert so I can't go into detail. With driving, at its core was this physics simulation, and so a driving simulation. But when you had everything going on – people shooting at you, automobile chases and trying to hack things – it was just overwhelming. People lost command of their vehicles, and that'southward just not fun. There's a point where it'south cool to have mastery of the car, similar beingness able to drift, merely then crashing into walls is not fun.

We tried to go to a indicate where nosotros have much more attainable driving. That's how nosotros test it now. We give the controller to someone and within five minutes we desire to encounter them with full control of their vehicle. That doesn't mean we don't desire to take depth; you want to be able to do crazy moves, merely it's okay if you can't, as long as you're in control. The ane affair nosotros wanted to preserve that'southward of import to united states of america is that every vehicle style has a unlike experience. That's something we were able to do relatively speedily, early on in production, and I can't wait to get feedback from players.

Honestly, I did like driving in the first game and it was one of the few areas where no one could have accused Ubisoft of copying Rockstar Games. It sounds like Watch_Dogs ii is taking a cue from the genre'south rex when information technology comes to driving - hopefully in that location'll be additional elements that make it unique.

Watch_Dogs ii is scheduled to exist available for PC, PlayStation iv and Xbox One on November fifteen worldwide. You lot tin take a expect at the latest E3 gameplay sit-in in our previous study.