Following in the footsteps of Devolver Digital's unique E3 substitute yesterday, Ubisoft has taken to the internet to give fans a close look at its upcoming innovations through "Ubisoft Forward." Viewers with a Ubisoft account were originally promised a free download of the company's game Watch Dogs 2, but after surprise server issues, the title will be made available for download to everyone, regardless of Ubisoft account.
The Ubisoft Forward, or "UbiForward," presentation, which began streaming on Ubisoft's site at 11 AM PDT, has given gamers an in-depth sneak peek at the company's works-in-progress. Although fans were certainly excited to learn about the gaming giant's upcoming titles, many viewers tuned in for the chance at free in-game bonuses for games like Assassin's Creed, and namely, for the opportunity to download a free copy of Watch Dogs 2.
Despite being offered as a free download, Watch Dogs 2 was only going to be made available to UbiForward viewers with a linked Ubisoft account, which was no problem up until users started experiencing login issues. Ubisoft hastily took to Twitter to recognize the server issues, and then followed up with the announcement that players need not worry: "We'll be giving out the rewards to all of you, even if you were unable to log in successfully. Sit back and enjoy the show!"
Thankfully, viewers scrambling to log in were able to relax and continue to enjoy the presentation, while Ubisoft could rest assured that viewers wouldn't be distracted from the showcase because of a technical oversight.
Given UbiForward's detailed look at Watch Dogs: Legion, it's no surprise that Ubisoft would be trying to hype up the series as much as possible. Hopefully, with the enticing offer of a free download, unfamiliar gamers will consider a taste of the thrilling action-adventure series before its greatly anticipated sequel drops this October.
If not, hopefully, they can at least appreciate the gesture - while groups like Devolver Digital offered viewers a free quirky first-person-shooter marketing game (featuring extended trailers and sneak peeks,) the chance to nab a free game title certainly stands out.
Server issues aside, UbiForward has continued to show gamers this weekend that life without E3 may not be all that awful. With gaming companies relying on their own teams more heavily for these exciting events, fans are starting to see more highly-tailored presentations that showcase more of each game and company's original style and flare. Now the question is moreso: do fans have the stamina to keep up with all the different pre-purchase offers, websites, and streaming links?
Watch Dogs 2 will soon be available for free download.