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Watch Dogs Legion: Release Date Revealed

Watch Dogs Legion will be released on October 29, for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia, and PC (for Epic Games Store and Uplay).

Shown off at today’s Ubisoft Forward event, Xbox’s Phil Spencer added that the game will support Smart Delivery between Xbox One and Xbox Series X, with the latter version using Direct X Raytracing. A store page later confirmed that free upgrades will also be available between PS4 and PS5 versions.

We got a look at a live-action/CG trailer for the game’s dystopian themes and futuristic London setting. We also saw a series of gameplay clips, showing London’s Dedsec in action.

We saw recruitment profiling, differences in dialogue between procedurally generated characters, and a look at the game’s story – featuring a mysterious terrorist cell, London’s new PMC police group, Albion, and the Kelly Gang, led by Mary Kelly.

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Mission gameplay shows a series of Dedsec operatives attempting to break into the Tower of London, including a contruction worker armed with a wrench, nailgun and a cargo drone. It then shows the same mission attempted by a more stealth oriented drone expert, who uses surveillance and spider drones, and an Albion officer who can simply walk through the Tower’s defences.

A separate mission sees Dedsec attempting to disrupt an organ farming operation from the perspective of a drunk football fan (who passes out) and a John Wick-like hitman, able to take down swathes of security. It’s a confident showing of quite how different Legion can be for every player.

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We got a new hands-on with Watch Dogs Legion ahead of the announcement, and called Ubisoft’s new London “a world of compelling stories”. We also spoke to creative director Clint Hocking, who explained to us how the game’s delay from March to October actually improved multiple parts of the game.

After previous hands-on previews of the game, we called said Watch Dogs Legion is unlike any other Ubisoft game. We’ve previously learned how its “Play As Anyone” system actually works, and been told the game will at some point come to PS5 and Xbox Series X.

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Joe Skrebels is IGN’s Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to [email protected].

Preorder Watch Dogs: Legion for $49.94 (PS4, Xbox One)

Watch Dogs: Legion is set to release on PS4, Xbox One, and PC on October 29, with a next-gen version coming at some point after that. (The Xbox One version is confirmed to get a free upgrade to the Series X version). The third installment in the futuristic tech-focused franchise is headed up by Clint Hocking, the creative director of Far Cry 2, and is set in an open-world version of London. When you need a specialist in your fight against the overbearing government, you can recruit (and play as) any NPC in the world, from hardened criminals to… (checks notes)… grannies?

If you’re ready to lock in your preorder for Watch Dogs: Legion, you’re going to want to know what comes in each edition, how much it costs, and where you can get it. Let’s get to it, shall we?

Watch Dogs: Legion Standard Edition

watch-dogs-legionPS4

Xbox One / Series X

PC

The standard edition of Watch Dogs: Legion comes with the game and any applicable preorder-bonuses (see below).

Watch Dogs: Legion Gold Steelbook Edition

watch-dogs-legion-gold-editionPS4

Xbox One / Series X

PC

Physical versions of the Gold Edition come with a steelbook case. All versions come with the following:

  • Physical copies come with a Steelbook Case
  • 3-Day Early Access
  • Season Pass

Watch Dogs: Legion Ultimate Edition

Watch_Dogs_Legion_UE_USPS4

Xbox One / Series X

PC

The steelbook ultimate edition is exclusive to GameStop, but the digital version is available elsewhere. It comes with the game, any applicable preorder bonuses, and following digital items:

  • Season Pass
  • 3-Day Early Access
  • Urban Jungle Pack
  • 4-Week VIP Status

Watch Dogs: Legion Collector’s Edition

Watch_Dogs_Legion_CE_USPS4, Xbox One, and PC

The collector’s edition is an Ubisoft Store exclusive, and it comes with the game, preorder bonuses, and following items:

Physical items

  • Lighting Ded Coronet Mask (38 CM)
  • Exclusive Steelbook
  • Collector’s Edition Box
  • Double-sided Propaganda Poster
  • 3 Stickers

Digital items

  • Season Pass
  • 3-Day Early Access
  • Urban Jungle Pack
  • 4-Week VIP Status
  • In-Game Mask

Watch Dogs Preorder Bonuses

Preorder Watch Dogs: Legion, and you’ll receive the Golden King Pack, which comes with the following digital items:

  • Lux Car Skin
  • Uneasy Lies Mask Skin
  • Serpent Sisters Gun Skin

And here are the retailer-exclusive preorder bonuses:

  • Best Buy – $10 Reward Certificate for My Best Buy members

Other Preorder Guides

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Chris Reed is IGN’s shopping and commerce editor. You can follow him on Twitter @_chrislreed.

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Ubisoft Forward: Everything Announced and Shown

Ubisoft Forward is the first all-digital showcase from the French publisher, and promised to bring major announcements from across its slate.

We even heard that there will be a second Ubisoft Forward event coming later this year. Here’s everything we’ve learned during today’s event:

Far Cry 6

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After several leaks earlier this week, Ubisoft officially announced Far Cry 6 for a February 2021 release. The reveal showcased Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian actor Giancarlo Esposito in a new role.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

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Announced earlier this year, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has been confirmed for a November 17 release date on Xbox One, PS4, PC, and Stadia. Ubisoft re-confirmed the upcoming adventure is also set for Xbox Series X and PS5, but did not offer a release date for it on those systems.

Hyper Scape

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Ubisoft announced Hyper Scape, the company’s new battle royale, is now available in open beta starting today. Alongside that, Ubisoft confirmed a new weapon, new hack, and new 30-tier battle pass have been added to the game.

Watch Dogs Legion

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Ubisoft announced Watch Dogs Legion will be released on October 29, 2020. Alongside the release date, Ubisoft showcased more of Legion’s ambitious gameplay, which allows players to essentially recruit any NPC and make them a playable character.

Watch the new gameplay above, and check out a new trailer for Watch Dogs below.

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Brawlhalla

Brawlhalla will be coming to iOS and Android devices, Ubisoft announced during its Ubisoft Forward event. The mobile versions will feature crossplay, and are set to be released on August 6.

Just Dance 2020

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Just Dance 2020’s Season 3 will bring three new songs, three returning songs, and a new playlist. The Season 3 trailer introduced “Hype” by Dizzee Rascal & Calvin Harris, “La Respuesta” by Becky G Ft. Maluma, and “Crayon” by G-Dragon.

Three returning songs will be “Barbra Streisand (2019 Edit)” by Duck Sauce, “Giddy on Up (Giddy on Out)” by Laura Bell Bundy, and “Mas Que Nada” by Sergio Mendes ft. The Black Eyed Peas.

This update will be released on July 23.

The Crew 2

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Ubisoft previewed what’s coming in August, including the Flashy 80’s update as part of the Summer in Hollywood, which will include legendary 80’s cars like the DeLorean.

Trials: Rising

On Thursday, July 16, Trials: Rising will be getting the Gigatrack, the longest track in Trials franchise history. It will be free for all players.

Ghost Recon: Breakpoint

Ghost Recon Breakpoint will receive a free Title Update, 2.1.0 on July 15. Most notably, it adds AI teammates to the game for the first time, letting solo players choose whether they want a squad of operators to play with, who will have the same abilities as player-controlled characters. Solo players will be able to give orders to and customize the gear of AI teammates.

The update will also add a new limited-time event, Resistance!, beginning on July 16. The event will see players attempting to save prisoners, attack outposts and stop convoys. Playing the event will unlock 14 new rewards, available until July 29. The update also adds Ghost War PvP content, including item drop functionality and community-requested improvements.

Updating… stay tuned for more!

Disney+ Adds X-Men: Days of Future Past, Leaves Hugh Jackman’s Bare Butt Uncensored

X-Men: Days of Future Past has arrived on Disney+, a family-friendly streaming platform that took a bit of heat back in April for editing out Daryl Hannah’s naked bottom in the 1984 Tom Hanks movie, Splash.

Now Disney+ and “butts” are making the news again, but this time it’s because Hugh Jackman’s bare butt, as Wolverine, was left intact in Days of Future Past.

Jackman himself shared the picture (with his butt covered up by an emoji) along with other images from the film on Instagram along with the message “Days Of Future Past becomes the first movie to air on Disney+ uncensored. That was my future but let’s be honest … it’s more like my past.”

And it wouldn’t be a Jackman post without a lovable response from Ryan Reynolds, who wrote “Excited for them to do the same for Deadpool. It’s time children knew. #Samesies.”

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The movie, notably, also has one F-bomb, which is the most any movie can have and still receive a PG-13 rating. This is why Hamilton was censored to change two of its three F-bombs for its Disney+ debut.

So why the double standard here? Why was Hannah’s backside edited out while Jackman’s was left in? Is it hypocrisy or is Disney+ now, just a couple months later, moving toward slightly edgier content that might allow for a few more non-“family friendly” PG-13 films. Like X-Men: First Class.

2000’s X-Men celebrates its 20th anniversary this month, so why not celebrate by watching a behind-the-scenes on how all the fight scenes came together?

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Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

Ubisoft Will Not Address Abuse Issues In Today’s Ubisoft Forward Presentation

Ubisoft has revealed that despite recent company shakeups in the wake of sexual harassment and assault allegations, it will not directly address these issues in its Ubisoft Forward presentation.

The company made the announcement on its Twitter page shortly before the presentation was set to air, clarifying that the presentation was pre-recorded and it would instead provide additional updates on the situation in the future.

Resignations of top Ubisoft executives, including chief creative officer Serge Hascoet and Canadian studios director Yannis Mallat, were only made on July 11. CEO Yves Guillemot has outlined structural changes that would take place about a week beforehand. Ubisoft said the show was recorded beforehand, though it’s unclear exactly how far back that was.

Ubisoft has seen other high-level employees and ex-employees accused of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other offenses in the past few weeks. This includes now-former VP of editorial Maxime Beland, who had recently returned to the company after a brief stint with Epic Games.

Watch Dogs product and brand marketer Andrien Gbinigie, who was accused of sexual assault, may have been terminated as well, but Ubisoft has not confirmed this. Gbinigie responded to the allegations in a now-deleted Medium post on June 22, but has not spoken publicly on the topic since then.

Multiple Senior Ubisoft Executives Stepping Down Following Abuse Allegations

Serge Hascoet, Yannis Mallat, and Cecile Cornet–three senior executives at Ubisoft–are stepping down amidst widespread accusations of abuse and promotion of a toxic work culture levelled at the company and these specific individuals.

In a statement issued to GameSpot, Ubisoft confirmed the departures, saying that Hascoet has “chosen to resign from his position as chief creative officer, effective immediately.” Although he may not be as public-facing as other Ubisoft executives, Hascoet held significant influence within the company, essentially having the power to green light game development projects and also make key creative decisions. Of course, this also meant that he had significant influence over staff, which numerous people have indicated he abused to the point of encouraging a toxic work environment. The role vacated by Hascoet will be taken up by Yves Guillemot, co-founder and current CEO of Ubisoft, in the interim.

Yannis Mallat, who was managing director of Ubisoft’s Canadian studios, will be stepping down and leaving Ubisoft too. Ubisoft statement reads, “The recent allegations that have come to light in Canada against multiple employees make it impossible for him to continue in this position.” Much like Hascoet, Mallat is accused of enabling a culture of abuse that created a pervasively toxic working environment.

Asked for clarification, an Ubisoft spokesperson confirmed that Hascoet is leaving the company, along with Mallat.

Finally, global head of HR Cecile Cornet will also be replaced. According to the statement she “decided to step down from this role, as she believes it is in the best interest of the company’s unity.” Reports coming out of Ubisoft in the lead-up to the recent allegations suggested that Cornet also played a significant role in allowing the work culture to deteriorate and for those in power to continue abusing their authority.

“The company is restructuring and strengthening its HR function in order to adapt it to the new challenges of the video game industry. Ubisoft is in the final steps of hiring a top international management consulting firm to audit and reshape its HR procedures and policies, as previously announced,” the statement continues.

Ubisoft did not indicate that Cornet is leaving the company, which suggests she will remain as a part of the workforce in some capacity.

The aforementioned announcement refers to the structural shift within Ubisoft that was outlined on July 2, in which Guillemot said fundamental changes need to occur at all levels of Ubisoft. “We are not looking for a quick fix, but rather a structural shift at Ubisoft that fully aligns with our values–values that do not tolerate toxic behaviors and where everyone feels safe to speak out,” Guillemot said. “We must do everything we can to ensure no one is in these situations ever again.”

Ubisoft has been a focal point for accusations of abuse within the game industry over the past few weeks. In addition to the three executives named above, vice president Maxime Beland resigned from his position on the company’s editorial team following accusations of assault and sexual harassment. Tommy François, co-vice president, has been placed on disciplinary leave as a second investigation is conducted.

One employee from Ubisoft Toronto has reportedly been fired outright. Watch Dogs product and brand marketer Andrien Gbinigie, who was accused of sexual assault in June, worked out of the Ubisoft Toronto location. However, Ubisoft has not confirmed whether he was the fired employee in question. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla creative director Ashraf Ismail also left Ubisoft on June 24 in the wake of accusations of infidelity.

In response to these accusations, Ubisoft released a statement on June 25, stating: “We have started by launching investigations into the allegations with the support of specialized external consultants,” the studio said. “Based on the outcomes, we are fully committed to taking any and all appropriate disciplinary action. As these investigations are ongoing, we can’t comment further. We are also auditing our existing policies, processes, and systems to understand where these have broken down, and to ensure we can better prevent, detect, and punish inappropriate behavior.”

Three Top Ubisoft Executives Step Down Following Abuse Allegations

Following the recent sexual misconduct and toxic culture allegations at Ubisoft, three of its executives – Chief Creative Officer Serge Hascoët, Ubisoft Canadian studios head Tannis Mallat, and Global Head of HR Cécile Cornet, have stepped down from their roles.

As reported by GamesIndustry.Biz, these three stepped down “following the initiation of a rigorous review that the company initiated in response to recent allegations and accusations of misconduct and inappropriate behavior.”

Hascoët, according to a report in the French newspaper Liberation, was specifically named as “playing a central role in the company’s culture problems, with one source saying the executive has ‘the most toxic behavior in the whole business.'”

Ubisoft’s CEO and co-founder Yves Guillemot said in a statement that he is “committed to implementing profound changes across the company to improve and strengthen our workplace culture.”

“Ubisoft has fallen short in its obligation to guarantee a safe and inclusive workplace environment for its employees,” said Ubisoft CEO and co-founder Yves Guillemot. “This is unacceptable, as toxic behaviors are in direct contrast to values on which I have never compromised – and never will. I am committed to implementing profound changes across the company to improve and strengthen our workplace culture. Moving forward, as we collectively embark on a path leading to a better Ubisoft, it is my expectation that leaders across the company manage their teams with the utmost respect. I also expect them to work to drive the change we need, always thinking of what is best for Ubisoft and all its employees.”

Guillemot will be filling Hascoët’s role on an interim basis, where he will manage “a complete overhaul of the way in which the creative teams collaborate.”

There has been no replacement named for Mallet, but he has already left his role as “the recent allegations that have come to light in Canada against multiple employees make it impossible for him to continue in this position.”

These employees include Ubisoft Montreal’s Ashraf Ismail, the former creative director on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla who left his role following impropriety allegations, and Ubisoft Toronto VP of editorial Maxime Béland who was also accused of abuse and misconduct.

Another unnamed employee was also fired for “engaging in behaviors that do no align with what is expected of Ubisoft employees.”

Outside of Canada, Ubisoft’s VP of editorial and creative services Tommy François was also placed on disciplinary leave due to similar allegations.

Cornet decided to leave her position as “she believes it is in the best interest of the Company’s unity.” Ubisoft is also searching for her replacement, focusing on “restructuring and strengthening its HR function in order to adapt it to the new challenges of the video game industry.”

The announcement stated that Mallat would be leaving the company, while Hascoët and Cornet would be changing roles, but an Ubisoft representative confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that Hascoët would in-fact be leaving the company.

Amidst all of these allegations, Ubisoft is still planning on hosting its Ubisoft Forward E3 replacement showcase where it will discuss Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Watch Dogs Legion, Far Cry 6, and much more.

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Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to [email protected].

Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.