Ubisoft has released an official response to The Worse’s mod, which utilizes newly rediscovered graphical effects files forWatch Dogs for PC.
Ubisoft insists that they did not deliberately downgrade the game. These graphical effects were deactivated on purpose, because Ubi found that they effected performance, stability, visual fidelity and overall gameplay quality.
Ubi takes care not to disparage of modders like The Worse, referring to them as creative and passionate players. However, they insist that using these mods will have adverse effects to gameplay, even as it adds some improvements to graphics. Among the more noteworthy things they caution against is that these effects will make the game environment harder to visually understand, and game stability.
Ubisoft also insists they did not make these choices for parity. Rather, they optimize for each platform individually and try to get the best game quality.
It seems to me, however, that the question is not whether the mods will disparage gameplay, but if Ubisoft can be compelled to patch the graphical effects back in, in such a way that game stability would be preserved. Ubi delayed the game for quite a while, so it would be understandable if they decided to cut back on them to get the game in good enough shape to release. It’s not as acceptable to insist that Ubi can’t activate these settings at all.
If it means anything, Ubisoft is still working on the Wii U version for a fall release, so maybe they can tweak that version’s graphical effects. The console has self-imposed power limitations, but we have seen games can look amazing on it.
In any case, Watch Dogs is a bona fide hit, so sales and profitability shouldn’t be an issue anymore. We hope Ubisoft will consider bringing the effects back on their own, and we’ll make sure to keep you up to date on this story.
