Watch Dogs: 27 questions game developers

Creative director of the project expected by many, Jonathan Morin, as well as key executives Ubisoft MontrealResponsible for the development of the game, answer a few questions about their offspring.A series of "question and answer" reveal details of the scene, the game process, and explains the context of the situation, demonstrated by developers during demonstrations at last year's E3, and from a recent event Sony, Playstation Meeting. What's new creators told us Watch DogsOne of the largest and most ambitious game of the year?

1. What is Watch Dogs?

Watch Dogs - New adventure Action, the main theme of which is vlyanie technologies on contemporary society. The game takes place in Chicago - a city where anything and everything related. You will achieve their goals, using the city as the main weapon in the fight for justice.

2. Can you briefly describe the eyeballs and the protagonist of the game?

You - Aiden Pearce, a man capable of violence and constant control freak who secretly watches his family to protect them from their dark past.Unfortunately, his family will once again be in danger. Driven to the limit, he will take justice into their own hands and try to resist the vicious system, using all available methods.Aiden will be a modern Vigilantius - but it will not be a hero in the cloak of the '70s, but a real person who will have to deal with the consequences of their actions.

3. What is the name of the Watch Dogs?

We are talking about the protection, surveillance and monitoring. The name alludes to the tendency to overprotection on the part of the protagonist, and the cosmogony of the world, penetrated the virtual link.The plural of "Dogs" is selected as a reason, as everyone in Chicago is the future and the observer, and those for whom follow. Even the name gives an idea of ​​the key moments of multiplayer games, but we do that we will not disclose all the details ...

4. What distinguishes Watch Dogs competitors by genre?

Watch Dogs redefine how players interact with the open world. For the first time will be proud of your weapons, and to emphasize this, we have made Chicago an unprecedented dynamic. This feature will have a real impact on the gameplay.

First of all, you can control the entire infrastructure of the modern metropolis: traffic lights, movable bridges, trains and so on.This lets you create a situation that will affect the people around them and how you come through to your goal. Your actions will be covered by the media, shaping public opinion and attitude towards you in the game world. All this will enable the simulation of the city to a new level.

Second, you can access each computer or mobile device.The invasion of the privacy of the residents of the city will allow you to discover all the new stories and all new gameplay mechanics.In normal games with open world, we are looking for an icon on the map, because they determine where the next important event will happen.In our action game will take place on yourself as you detect them. This system will allow us to provide new content to players.It is much more realistic and gives developers much more scope for imagination. As a result, we get a world full of surprises, which should bring an element of improvisation in the game to a new level.

For example, if we talk about one of our demonstrations if Aiden focused on the other person, all the gameplay would sovereshenno others.Aiden - man, relying only on their own ingenuity.Players will also have poraskinut brains, not just choosing the best way to achieve their own, but also improvising if something goes according to plan.I think our game is different, first of all, the level of control the player on the world around them and how these features can help him cope with the incredible amount of gameplay unforeseen situations.



5. Why did you choose Chicago as a setting?

Chicago - one of the largest cities in the world.Since its inception and to this day he is a symbol of how modernization and progress, as well as crime and corruption; It combines the irreconcilable - the wealth and elite culture go hand in hand withpoverty and violence. These contradictions make Chicago the perfect locale for our new project of open world.

Moreover, this metropolis is perfectly illustrates the theme of our game, "Everything is connected."In 2006, Chicago was introduced the initiative "Operation Virtual Shield" - the largest video surveillance system in the United States, which includes more than 10,000 cameras connected to a single centercontrol where the video stream is transferred to them and analyzed in real time, day and night. These surveillance systems perfectly fit into the story we wanted to tell in Watch Dogs.

6. How much of Chicago Watch Dogs like the real Chicago? How important for the team was to recreate Chicago in the game?

Although we have made freedom when designing the virtual Chicago to improve the gameplay, we primarily wanted to create a plausible reflection of this amazing place.We are very serious problem perceived to convey the atmosphere of Chicago - our artists have made several trips there to take pictures, record conversations for passers-by and talk with the localPolice to find out the best situation in the city.As a result, people on the streets of our city will talk like real people of Chicago, with background noise to be authentic so that you can hear in the real point of the metropolis, the music will embody the rich history of the place ... Even the weather based on the analysis of real meteorological data!

Another priority was to adequately display the environment and architecture. If you were in Chicago, you will always go to the feeling of deja vu.Here you'll not only meet familiar buildings, but also be able to explore the historical information on them. We also had a great deal of work, studying the news stories about Chicago and its inhabitants.Information that players will be able to learn about each resident, will display the modern history of Chicago.According to our team, now is impossible without involving careful consideration of all the details - that's why we believe that such precision - it's one of the reasons that our game so wellWe took journalists and players. For them, these little things are no less important than for us, so we try our best to meet the expectations of customers.

7. Ubisoft announced that the Montreal game studio is working with colleagues around the world. What kind of teams we are going and how this interaction?

Ubisoft Montreal led development process Watch Dogs. The project originates from here. Nevertheless, it is an incredibly ambitious project, and we got an excellent opportunity to work on him with other talented developers. Watch Dogs Montreal studio created together with the teams in Paris, Newcastle, Bucharest and Quebec. This allows us to create a huge world, which at the same time full of detail.Each studio - their needs, and we have teamed up to make the game the most solid and impressive. Through his previous major release, Ubisoft It has valuable experience in the organization of such work.

8. How long will the project is still in development?

To date Watch Dogs It created almost four years. To create a great game, especially if it is - a new IP, you need two things: a talented team and time. We got more than enough of both.This has allowed us to develop the latest technology, which helped create a rich universe, while using experience from other large-scale projects Ubisoft Montreal in recent years.

9. How important to you realism?

Realism plays a huge role in creating the gaming experience. Many games have a random accident, shootings and explosions, but, in my opinion, they do not have something very important. Every unexpected situation - it is a human drama. The Watch Dogs you will feel the realism of each action - not just because of the graphics, the weather and the atmosphere. This means that each character involved in the event in its own way important. Everything you do in the game, carries certain consequences.
Media will be talking about your participation in an event, and it will affect the gameplay. So making the choice during the game, you will consider how it will affect others.In the end, it depends on your views of life and of why you play the game. No one will judge you, but do not leave without attention to your actions.So, to give a sense of the reality of everything happening, we have done a great job on the graphics, ambience, AI, animation, simulation and history.For us it is important to bring a serious tone we have chosen supply, because we believe that it makes the game more appropriate to what we see around us.



10. Who makes the game? Can you think of their past projects?

To create a completely new gaming experience with open world, we needed a team with experience in a variety of genres. Fortunately, Ubisoft Montreal previously it created a variety of projects that allow you to select the best of the best. A special role is played by our experience in developing open world games.

Thanks Assassin's CreedWe learned how to create a large, diverse and well-developed worlds, and make high-quality animation. From Far Cry and Splinter Cell We have gathered an exciting shootout, physics and stealth. In a series of Driver we have created a high-quality integrated transport management. And finally, we are attracted to Watch Dogs industry veterans from outside UbisoftWho worked on the biggest game series.As a result, we got inspired, experienced team that is focused on achieving a new standard that can determine the future of open world games. We would not have been able to achieve this level, not having such an impressive experience in creating a wide variety of games.

11. Do you Consulted with experts in the field of technology or cyber-terrorism, making the Watch Dogs?

At the heart of hacking and computer security based on the principles of information exchange. Development Team Watch Dogs beginning with a study of the impressive amount of information about it, as well as forecasts of potential accidents associated with systems like ctOS.As we manufacture there is an urgent need for the consultants who not only could tell us when we go beyond what is possible in real life, but also to help more subtle andauthentically convey principles of interaction between people and technology. We are attracted to the project world-class, and we'll talk about this in more detail in the coming months.

12. What was the source of inspiration for Watch Dogs?

First of all, we took the idea for a new game, based on how much technology came into our lives.Government organizations, ordinary citizens and infrastructure mega-cities are united in large-scale network. Imagine what would happen if someone gets access to them and be able to interact with a variety of data, on which depend our lives and safety. This - the world Watch Dogs.

We also need to consider the ethical side of the issue.Would you dare to use this technology for personal purposes? And if it would be fraught with harm to the people around?Fortunately, we live in a time when people have become more open to the protagonists-antiheroes.For example, the popular series bring more and more shades of gray in popular culture, and we believe that it is - just what you need video games today. Everything around us is no longer divided into black and white - the world became gray, and we are pleased that the entertainment industry is paying attention to this topic.

History Watch Dogs Down to earth and much more believable than most science fiction or fantasy. Our team was looking for inspiration, thinking about what defines them as individuals and what society around them. I think that's why it is so difficult to describe what is Watch Dogs in fact. I think the game has become so special because it is the inspiration and desire to create something meaningful that spodvigli team to develop such a complex project. We are doing everything possible to make sure that we create a realistic world and we give vivid emotions players.

13. What are the main pillars of the world built Watch Dogs?

Context extremely important, so for us a natural solution, first of all, to focus on this aspect.We wanted to make sure that a lot of players will be able to interact with and unusual game world, and to achieve this, we have made a hero like that. A man with personal goals, which tracks the whole city - such a concept sets the tone for the entire game and gives a level of drama that we wanted.

We also wanted to make sure we do a serious game. The invasion of the life of each - a serious thing. This is especially true when talking about modern Vigilantius.I have two mantras that I repeat, communicating with each group leader to make sure that we keep the right tone. First - "Do you understand the seriousness of the situation during the game?".The second - "We need a Michael Mann, not Michael Bay." It helps a lot to stay on at the beginning of the intended course.

The relationship of all things - a key theme of the game. It is visible in everything - from the innovative technologies that are controlled by the player to the multiplayer component of the whole.The entire structure of the game is based on the fact that someone is always watching you - in a single and multiplayer game, and what happens between them. It's in the game and at the same time it is ...

Provide the ability to manage everything around him - not an easy task. This brings us to the last important aspect.To bring all the mechanics in place, we had to create an unprecedented dynamic simulation of the city. Each system is linked to another, and all together they create magic.For example, everything that you saw in the demonstration - a coincidence. If a player has paid attention to someone other than the woman at the newsstand, the whole situation would have been different. This shows how Watch Dogs organic.

As a result, these pillars enable us to create a game with a grand peace and a high level of interactivity. In the end, it is - the main thing in video games.

14. Does Aidan move only personal motives, or we are talking about a higher purpose?

In Aiden Pierce has its own reasons for excessive care of his family. However, when his obsession with surveillance extended to the whole city, its global action will affect the lives of loved ones. It is - through the storyline that runs through the whole game.

15. What is the symbol we see on the mask Aiden? What does it mean?

This symbol means "connection" that characterizes it as a bad character. Such attention to detail is characteristic of each character of the game.We have done a great job highlighting the main features of each of them, both in terms of scenic works, and from the point of view of design. Soon we will tell a little more about it.



16. Universe Watch Dogs, it seems, is largely built on the burglary. How will this affect in the gameplay?

On hacking tied most game situations.In order to most accurately convey the thrill of player control and surveillance of the whole metropolis, we had to make sure that every aspect of the game in line with our basic idea - so that all of the changes in the world until the development of abilities of the character is designed to enhance the basic concept.

Your level of access to and control over ctOS environment will continue to grow. Your level will determine what kind of gameplay will meet during the game.Watching the lives of people, you will be able to perform new tasks, which will naturally appear at the moment of their discovery. Depending on your type of game, it can exacerbate an already difficult situation.

If this happens, you will like the ability to crack the all around.The city has turned into a playground - the player will be able to hide, run or engage in battle, using off the bunch, train control, traffic lights, drawbridges and much more about what we'll tell you later. All these features will be available at any point in the game.

Using these tools will cause a chain reaction, which is also reflected in the game and is in some way the media are talking about Aiden Pearce.So you should also expect long-term consequences of decisions made quickly. Of course, the simple mechanics, such as shooting, running or driving will be perceived quite differently when you gain control over the city.

17. What is the difference demonstration open to the world Playstation Meeting from that shown during the conference Ubisoft at E3 2012?

Last year we showed you one of the missions of the game. You see how everything is interconnected in our project.This year, we wanted to show you just how open the game world, and how many there ways of interaction and different opportunities.What you saw in the announcement PS4 - not the mission, but simply exploring the city player and the collection of information out of curiosity, not because the job requires it. All that you have seen - the consequences of the player's choice, not from a prepared script. This was to show that Watch Dogs not only everything, but everything is interconnected.

18. What do you mean by "the city as a weapon?" What ctOS?

We all live in a world full of different links. Inventions made in the last 20 years, as well as the spread of the Internet is gradually changed our daily lives.Today, all major cities are imbued variety of communications and infrastructure facilities are combined into a single unit and are controlled by complex operating systems. This - not fiction, but a reality. The Watch Dogs We call this a '' Central Operating System '', or ctOS. Smartphones allow you to track movement of ordinary citizens from the bedroom to the workplace. All electronic devices, from which we are so dependent, make up a single and powerful network.

Imagine that the control of the network will get one person.

The Watch Dogs Chicago ctOS you use to your advantage.In our demonstration with open world, you are, for example, can see how Aiden uses bars to stop police cars, and then the train slows down to, leaping at him,escape from his pursuers. These are just a few examples of what you can do in the game instantly, with just a few finger movements.And the coolest, that access to these opportunities is open to any game situation, so that players will be able to express their creativity by choosing their own ways to achieve a given purpose among the countless options offered by this huge sandbox.

19. What do you mean by saying that all of the player's actions will have consequences in the game world?

The Watch Dogs Each time the game is taken seriously. Any action taken by the player carries the consequences. If you call chaos, will be in danger of ordinary citizens.This will tell the media. This will affect how your actions will be perceived by the people and the attitude to you in the game world.

We've added to the game system's reputation, which will take into account everything that makes the player.Whether it causes havoc than hurt or kill passers-by? Whether he conducts himself as a hero or a thug? All actions will be positive and negative aspects.The player chooses the way of passage, and the game does not condemn him for it. Our system is easy to recognize the shades of gray in the reaction of the public and to reflect them on the player.We do not create a system of "good - evil," as in other projects, because it reminds you that in the virtual world. Our reputation system focuses more on changing public opinion, and this is another aspect of our main theme: "the impact of technology on society."

20. In the demo we saw how Aiden gets access to information about the people around. What kind of information is? Where did it come from?

Aiden can be implemented in the security systems of Chicago. In the city of more than ten thousand video surveillance cameras and they monitor each day millions of citizens.Using this system, Aiden can recognize the faces of passers and have access to the dossier, incorporated in ctOS, which include information on income, residence, information on the drive to the police ... This kind of data helps to learn the secrets and progress in the investigations.



21. Why does the demo PS Aiden Meeting decides to intervene and stop what he saw a crime? He - a kind of hero?

Aiden does not resolve to intervene, it solves the player. Playing for Aiden Pearce, you gradually move from personal goals to something more.Players will constantly experience the conflict of interest of the protagonist and problems of people around. In the introduction Aiden says: "Once you've seen it all this ...you can just look away? "The answer to this question is provided by the user, because, after all, we are talking about the game. So what the player decides whether he wants to be "the people's avenger" or not. Select the path Vigilantius - one of the most interesting, but tragic stories of our branches.

22. Aiden causes an overload in the electric panel, which slows down and confuses its target. How does he do it?

Aiden can access any computer virtual Chicago.Today, the power supply system are controlled from a single control room, in order to reduce costs and simplify the process of tracking and repair of individual substations. Aiden can cause congestion in these networks. This - one of the many ways to control the urban systems.

23. What is the effect of slowing down we saw during the demonstration?

Aiden is very clever and inventive. It uses the ability to make quick decisions, which we called the "focus". Focus helps you quickly analyze the environment, taking advantage over the enemy.It can be called at any time, but the use of the focus is limited, and therefore it should be used wisely.

24. At the end of the demo, we see a camera, watch Aidan train. What's happening?

If you think you are alone - think again. All and all interrelated and are part of a single network. This camera - just another allusion to our online component, and we have big plans for this account. We can not wait for the moment when we can show you everything prepared.

25. Will Aiden climb buildings?

Yes, Aiden can climb the building, moving around Chicago. It can also be used acrobatics by jumping on the roofs of cars, which gives a great advantage during chases or fights.

26. In the demonstration we see Aiden aims, running through the building of the pharmacy. Will players be able to enter buildings in the game?

In the game you will have many opportunities to go in many different areas.We create a city planning different levels of study: it is not only the streets or interiors, but also small yards or rooftops. In Chicago also has a well-developed underground infrastructure.Finally, players can learn not only real, but also the virtual side of Chicago, intruding into people's privacy. Thus, not only can Iden enter buildings, but also to observe them using a breaking of the computer systems.

27. Can the police or any other organization to use ctOS as well as Aiden?

ctOS - a system that is designed to deal with a variety of problems, including traffic jams, crime and energy management.The police do not just have access to it, but also actively and strategically uses. In the end, thanks to ctOS city authorities managed to reduce the cost of the police department.Again, this can be seen in reality. If you are should be explored, you will realize that its ctOS in almost all major cities.The police are actively using these innovations, and in the coming years, the impact of technology on our lives will only increase. ctOS - far more urgent thing than it seems to us in 2013-th.

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