The Watch Dogs saga continues. Just when fans thought Tom Henderson had delivered the final word with his ‘completely dead’ verdict, another insider contradicted him, sparking heated debate across gaming forums. A detailed Reddit post in GamingLeaksAndRumours breaks down exactly what Henderson meant and why the situation is more complicated than a simple cancellation.
Henderson’s Original Statement
Tom Henderson appeared on the Insider Gaming podcast and delivered what many heard as the franchise’s death sentence. He explained that after Watch Dogs Legion launched in 2020, the development team immediately shifted to an unrelated project that was later canceled during Ubisoft’s massive January 2026 restructuring. Importantly, Henderson clarified this scrapped game had nothing to do with Watch Dogs.
His exact words were clear: “As far as I’m aware at this moment in time, the Watch Dogs IP is completely dead.” He emphasized that while some passionate employees create fan art and concepts internally, there’s no active greenlit project. Ubisoft treats these ideas as typical team passion projects rather than actual development pipelines.
shinobi602 Enters the Chat
Almost immediately, respected insider shinobi602 pushed back on ResetEra. When shown clips of Henderson’s podcast, shinobi602 simply posted: “Not exactly.” When pressed whether they meant the video games or the upcoming Watch Dogs movie, the insider confirmed: “I am not talking about a movie.”
Henderson responded directly, speculating shinobi602 referenced ‘Watch Dogs Coterie’ – a rumored internal concept. Henderson dismissed Coterie as “nothing more than people who like the franchise, concept art, basic R&D, etc.” He stressed these early-stage ideas exist for every IP but require official greenlighting to become real projects.
The Reddit Clarification
The Reddit post that sparked this article provides crucial context. It explains Henderson’s stance represents the current reality: no active Watch Dogs game development exists anywhere at Ubisoft. The Legion team moved on years ago, and no successor project gained approval amid the company’s financial struggles.
However, shinobi602’s contradiction suggests something more nuanced. The insider’s cryptic responses imply either early-stage work beyond simple fan concepts or information Henderson lacks access to. Their refusal to elaborate – “That’s not what I’m referring to, but that’s the last thing I’ll say on it” – fuels speculation about unannounced pitches or studio initiatives.
Understanding Coterie Confusion
‘Watch Dogs Coterie’ emerged as the flashpoint. Henderson views it as typical internal enthusiasm – concept art, prototypes, wishlisting – that never progresses without executive approval. Every major publisher maintains these early explorations for dormant IPs. They represent passion but not commitment.
shinobi602 appears convinced something more substantial exists. Whether it’s a full pitch deck, prototype gameplay, or actual pre-production work remains unclear. The insider’s confidence suggests access to information positioning them differently from Henderson’s sources.
Ubisoft’s Bigger Picture
This debate unfolds against Ubisoft’s brutal restructuring announced January 21, 2026. Six games canceled including Prince of Persia remake, two studios shuttered, seven projects delayed. The company’s stock crashed nearly 40 percent, forcing ruthless prioritization of proven franchises like Assassin’s Creed over riskier IPs.
Watch Dogs never achieved pillar status despite massive initial hype. The 2014 original faced graphics downgrade backlash. Watch Dogs 2 improved critically but underperformed commercially. Legion’s ambitious ‘play as anyone’ system intrigued but execution disappointed, plagued by bugs, weak writing, and identity confusion.
Timeline of Decline
| Year | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Watch Dogs launches | Most preordered new Ubisoft IP but graphics controversy |
| 2016 | Watch Dogs 2 | Better reviews, worse sales than original |
| 2020 | Legion launches | Ambitious mechanics fail execution, worst reviewed entry |
| 2026 | Team moves to canceled non-WD project | No successor development begins |
Fan Theories and Speculation
Reddit discussions reveal divided opinions. Some believe shinobi602 references legitimate early development that could gain traction if Ubisoft stabilizes financially. Others suspect it’s wishful thinking amid corporate chaos.
- Coterie might be multi-game pitch exploring different WD directions
- Live service Watch Dogs pitched but rejected during restructuring
- Single-player return to Aiden Pearce or Marcus Holloway characters
- Possible Legion sequel with refined ‘play as anyone’ mechanics
- Complete pivot to cyberpunk horror after Legion’s dystopian London
What Both Insiders Agree On
Despite disagreement, Henderson and shinobi602 concur on key points. No full Watch Dogs game sits in active production. Legion’s development troubles and rushed release damaged franchise momentum. Ubisoft prioritizes financial recovery over speculative sequels.
The Watch Dogs movie continues unaffected, having wrapped production in 2024. Directed by Mathieu Turi with Tom Blyth and Sophie Wilde starring, it represents the IP’s final gasp if no games materialize.
Industry Implications
Watch Dogs’ uncertain fate mirrors broader industry consolidation. Publishers increasingly abandon mid-tier franchises unable to match Assassin’s Creed or FIFA revenue. Promising IPs die not from creative failure but commercial calculus.
Successful franchises require decade-long nurturing. Watch Dogs spanned 12 years across three games but never built Valhalla-level loyalty. Ubisoft’s restructuring prioritizes established hits over potential future pillars, even ones showing franchise potential.
FAQs
What exactly did Tom Henderson say about Watch Dogs?
Henderson stated the IP is ‘completely dead’ meaning no active game development exists. Legion’s team moved to an unrelated canceled project years ago.
Why did shinobi602 contradict Henderson?
shinobi602 believes something beyond fan concepts exists, possibly early pre-production or pitches. They refused to elaborate beyond confirming it’s not the movie.
What is Watch Dogs Coterie?
Henderson describes Coterie as internal fan projects – concept art, R&D – common for every IP but requiring greenlight to become real games.
Is there any Watch Dogs game in development?
No full production exists per Henderson. shinobi602 hints at early-stage work but provides no concrete details.
Why did Watch Dogs struggle commercially?
Graphics controversy hurt launch trust. WD2 improved but sold worse. Legion’s ambitious mechanics executed poorly with bugs and weak writing.
What survives Ubisoft’s restructuring?
Rayman projects, Assassin’s Creed dominance, and proven hits. Watch Dogs lacks pillar status to guarantee survival.
Will the Watch Dogs movie happen?
Yes, filming wrapped in 2024. Both insiders agree the film proceeds unaffected by game development status.
Could fan passion revive the series?
Internal concepts exist but require executive approval and budget. Restructuring prioritizes profitability over passion projects.
Conclusion
The Henderson/shinobi602 Watch Dogs debate captures gaming’s uncertain reality. Clear answers prove elusive amid corporate chaos. Fans cling to insider breadcrumbs while confronting likely reality: no near-term revival.
Passionate internal concepts offer faint hope but face brutal commercial headwinds. Watch Dogs joins gaming’s graveyard of promising IPs that flickered brightly but couldn’t sustain pillar status. The hacker franchise’s legacy rests on three flawed but ambitious games and one pending movie, unless shinobi602’s mystery project defies the odds.