Sony, New Regency and Ubisoft are developing a feature film based on "Watch Dogs," the videogame-maker's open-world action-adventure title for Sony’s upcoming PlayStation 4 console — which, coincidentally, the company announced Tuesday would be released in North America on Nov. 15.
Ubisoft made the movie announcement at the Sony Computer Entertainment press conference at GamesCom on behalf of its film division.
Also read: Disney Infinity's Next Move? Look to its Marvel, Lucasfilm Acquisitions
"Watch Dogs" follows Aiden Pearce, a brilliant hacker bent on revenge after a violent family tragedy. He hacks into Chicago’s infrastructure controls — including security cameras, traffic lights, and public transportation — turning the city into his weapon.
The game received many awards at E3 2012, including Best of Show from Gaming Excellence and three awards (Biggest Surprise, Best New Franchise and Best PC Game) from IGN. The game also won GameSpot’s People’s Choice Most Exciting Game of E3 2013.
Also read: 'Assassin's Creed IV,' 'Skylanders' Among 20 Games Slated for Xbox One Launch (Report)
"The themes and open gameplay of 'Watch Dogs' lends itself perfectly to the big screen," said Hannah Minghella, president of production for Columbia Pictures. "The game has intense action and adventure, but the story focuses on information and the control of information, which we think will lead to an exciting thriller."
Minghella and Sam Dickerman will oversee development for Sony, while Alexandra Milchan and Andrew Calof will oversee the project for New Regency.