Watch Dogs 2 is experiencing a significant surge in player activity on Steam, likely driven by a deep discount that places the game at just $2.50. This limited-time offer, available until Thursday, July 9, represents a 95% reduction from its original $50 retail price and has reignited interest in Ubisoft's 2016 title.
The sale extends to the game's downloadable content. The Deluxe Edition is available for $3, while the Gold Edition, which includes additional content such as new vehicles, cooperative missions, and cosmetic items, is priced at $4. These prices have made the game an accessible purchase for a wide audience.
As a direct result of the sale, Watch Dogs 2 has seen its player count on Steam climb substantially. According to player tracking data from SteamDB, the game is currently being played by over 10,000 users concurrently. Its 24-hour peak reached more than 16,000 players, pushing its active player base close to its all-time concurrent high of 18,138.
This resurgence in popularity is particularly noteworthy for a game that launched in November 2016. The game's themes of surveillance, technocracy, and corporate overreach appear to resonate with current real-world concerns. Players step into the shoes of Marcus Holloway, a hacker who joins the group DedSec to combat a corrupt system in a digitized San Francisco. The narrative follows Holloway's efforts to expose and dismantle the powerful forces controlling the city.
GameSpot awarded Watch Dogs 2 an 8/10 in its review, describing it as "an effortless mix of covert and action-oriented gameplay [with] a likeable cast that knows how to have fun in their own way." The game is recognized for its engaging blend of stealth and action, complemented by a cast of characters that contribute to its enjoyable atmosphere.