Watch Dogs 2: A Decade Later, Still a Tech Thriller Gem

Released on November 15, 2016, Watch Dogs 2 is celebrated a decade later as the definitive entry in Ubisoft's tech thriller franchise. The game's enduring appeal lies in its sharp critique of 2016-era big tech practices and its timely social commentary, which remains potent today.

Set in San Francisco, players assume the role of Marcus Holloway, a hacker who joins the activist group DedSec. Their mission is to expose the harms of the ctOS computing network through viral social media campaigns. This framework, focusing on gaining followers by revealing corporate misdeeds, immediately set it apart from its predecessor.

The DedSec crew joyfully "shitposts" to raise awareness about tech sector corruption. Main missions involve Marcus exposing shady tech practices, embarrassing CEOs, and helping allies escape cults. These scenarios, while not subtle, consistently target those who profit from unchecked technological advancement and data control.

Watch Dogs 2's relevance is amplified by a decade of increasing big tech backlash and societal shifts. The game thoughtfully tackles issues of tech and information control, notably featuring well-developed characters like a Black trans woman ally who navigates adversity without becoming a narrative punchline.

The game also cleverly satirizes tech company culture, referencing dismal diversity statistics at a Google stand-in. Marcus is a compelling lead, offering an "everyman" perspective, though his race is only occasionally acknowledged in the narrative. The story's biggest pitfall was the mid-game death of Horatio, a Black perspective that complemented Marcus.

While the series continued with Watch Dogs Legion in 2020, which focused on recruiting almost any citizen in cyberpunk London, its randomized narrative structure struggled to deliver the intended beats. Ubisoft's attempts to revive dormant IPs, coupled with its past practices, make any future Watch Dogs revival uncertain, though the power fantasy of taking down powerful tech figures remains appealing.