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Sleeping Dogs was a hugely popular open-world action-adventure game developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix in 2012. Set in contemporary Hong Kong, the game lets players take on the role of undercover cop Wei Shen, who tries to take down the Triads from within. With its gripping story, martial arts combat, and focus on Hong Kong’s criminal underworld, Sleeping Dogs built a dedicated fanbase that eagerly awaits a sequel.
However, the original developer, United Front Games, was shut down in 2016, leaving the future of the series uncertain. Despite this, rumors of a Sleeping Dogs 2 persist, with fans speculating on everything from potential release dates to storylines and features.
Background on Sleeping Dogs
Sleeping Dogs was first released in 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. An enhanced ‘Definitive Edition’ later came out in 2014 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It was set in an open-world recreation of Hong Kong and focused on melee combat, gunplay, and parkour movement. Players controlled Wei Shen, an undercover Hong Kong-American police officer tasked with infiltrating the Sun On Yee Triad organization. The story follows Wei as he rises up the Triad ranks while trying to balance his police objectives, familial obligations, and personal morals.
Praised for its combat, characters, and depiction of Hong Kong, Sleeping Dogs was a surprise hit and sold over 1.75 million copies in its first year. Critics and fans consistently bring up the lack of a sequel as one of the great oversights in gaming. Speculation around Sleeping Dogs 2 has only increased over time, especially with the recent resurgence of open-world action games like Saint’s Row reboot and the potential for next-gen capabilities.
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Sleeping Dogs Sequel Rumors
Ever since the original game’s release, fans have been clamoring for a sequel. Rumors of Sleeping Dogs 2 development have swirled for years, often pointing to supposed leaks and insider sources claiming the game is in the works. Various potential titles have also been theorized, like ‘Sleeping Dogs: Hong Kong Heat’ and ‘Sleeping Dogs: Triad Wars’. However, nothing has ever materialized beyond speculation.
In 2022, renewed rumors began spreading that Sleeping Dogs 2 could be announced soon after concept art and early screenshots leaked online. These images showcased locations like Hong Kong’s famous Victoria Peak and macabre scenes of Triad rituals. However, their authenticity remains unverified. While concrete details are still nonexistent, fans remain optimistic that these recent leaks could mean Sleeping Dogs 2 is finally on the horizon.
Potential Release Date
With no official announcement, any release date for Sleeping Dogs 2 is complete speculation. Most fans expect that if announced soon, it would target a 2024 or 2025 release on next-gen consoles and PCs. However, some speculate it may even come out in late 2023 based on the alleged concept art leaks coming to light now. A late 2022 reveal followed by a 2023 marketing buildup could be possible if development is already well underway.
Ultimately, it depends on when Square Enix gives the green light. The publisher has clarified that they want to revisit the IP but are waiting for the right concept, pitch, and development team. If these recent leaks generate enough buzz, it may motivate them to capitalize on the renewed hype sooner rather than later. But fans know better than to get their hopes up too much without an official word. For now, it’s a waiting game until concrete details emerge.
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Possible Platforms
As a modern triple-A title, most assume Sleeping Dogs 2 would launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC. PlayStation and Xbox console exclusivity deals are always possible, but given the original’s cross-platform success, they are unlikely.
Some speculate a Nintendo Switch version could happen down the line as well based on Square Enix’s partnerships for Switch ports of older and current-gen games. However, the Switch hardware’s power limitations may restrict the sequel’s scope. A cloud-streaming version akin to Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece for Switch could get around this, though.
The only other possibility would be a mobile release, given the popularity of big IP mobile spin-offs nowadays. But core fans agree this would likely be a watered-down companion title at best rather than the full sequel. Overall, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC seem the safest bets.
Gameplay and Features
As an assumed open-world action game, Sleeping Dogs 2 would likely retain and expand on the original’s core gameplay pillars. This means melee combat emphasizing martial arts, parkour movement around urban Hong Kong, gunplay, driving, and a dynamic day/night cycle affecting NPC activities and events.
Upgraded combat mechanics using new-generation hardware could allow for more fluid, cinematic moves and combos. Stealth and hacking elements may play a bigger role, along with expanded side activities like minigames and collectibles. Many also expect expanded turf wars between Triad factions and innovative Nemesis/companion systems influenced by recent hits like the Batman Arkham and Shadow of Mordor games.
Modern AAA open-world standards like detailed character customization, morality systems, romance options, and online components also seem probable. But at its core, the kinetic melee combat, gripping narrative, and atmospheric Hong Kong setting must stay central.
Sleeping Dogs Official Trailer
The official trailer for Sleeping Dogs 2 has not yet been released. So, you can watch the Sleeping Dogs trailer here.
Story and Setting
Fans agree any Sleeping Dogs sequel needs to retain the original’s Hong Kong setting and Triad focus and ideally continue Wei Shen’s story. As one of the first big games exploring Chinese/Asian culture beyond tired cliches, this authenticity is essential. The city should feel vibrant and lived in, with social commentary addressing complex issues of crime, family, and identity.
Wei’s undercover cop predicament, brimming with moral ambiguity, offers many narrative directions. A promotion to detective opening up new layers of Hong Kong’s criminal elite could be interesting. Or conflicts escalating with Wei sucked deeper into Triad politics and vengeance. Personal stakes related to family and loyalty should stay central to Wei’s motivations.
Some speculative storylines envision a Triad war, Sun On Yee infighting, or Wei forming his own faction. But whatever the threat, Wei’s complex character arc, which moves him beyond binary good/evil choices, remains integral. The story could even branch cinematically into multiple endings based on player decisions.
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Multiplayer and Online Elements
Unlike the original, which focused on single-player gameplay, most assume Sleeping Dogs 2 will incorporate online multiplayer components. These could be discrete multiplayer modes or Watchdogs-style asynchronous integration into the open world.
Competitive modes could feature street races, fighting tournaments, and cooperative missions or heists. More novel ideas imagine rival players controlling enemy Triad members who can invade each other’s instances to sabotage activities or even confront each other directly. Shared persistence and status could create ongoing turf wars and feuds.
Seamless drop-in/drop-out co-op would also allow for shared free-roam, missions, and content. Adding human players to the bustling Hong Kong setting could really accentuate the lively atmosphere, especially for the next generation. But the teams must ensure it complements rather than compromises the tailored single-player experience.
Trailers and Announcements
No official trailers, teasers, or announcements currently exist. At best, fans can rewatch the original Sleeping Dogs trailers and imagine how they may translate to a sequel. When concrete details emerge, industry events like E3, The Game Awards, and publisher showcases seem the most likely venues for revealing trailers or announcements.
Of course, leaks could break the news first via insider sources or data mines, as they often do these days. But part of the thrill for anticipating fans comes from seeing those initial trailers realized on stage or via publisher social media with fanfare. Until then, the 2012 Sleeping Dogs trailer will have to suffice for imagining the possibilities.
Developer and Publisher
The biggest question is who could develop the game now that United Front Games is gone. Given Square Enix publishes the IP, their internal studios seem the most probable options. Crystal Dynamics or Eidos Montreal would be well-suited based on their work on high-quality action games like Tomb Raider, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Deus Ex.
Other studios with technical prowess in open-world action games, like Rocksteady or even Ubisoft’s Tokyo team, could be good fits as well. But Crystal Dynamics seems a frontrunner, given their reverence for story focus in action games. Ultimately, as publishers, it remains Square Enix’s decision who they trust to do the IP justice.
Reception and Reviews
Without even being announced, Sleeping Dogs 2 has a passionate fanbase that would receive a proper sequel extremely well. Even a decade later, the original still garners praise for its characters, combat, and refreshing Hong Kong setting. A sequel would undoubtedly garner similar critical acclaim if the core elements recaptured that magic.
Of course, expectations would be high, given the original’s reputation. But given the talent of top studios like Crystal Dynamics, there’s reason to believe they could meet that bar. As long as they stay true to the Formula of impactful melee combat, cinematic action, and an immersive Hong Kong backdrop, Sleeping Dogs 2 could become one of the most acclaimed games of its release year.
Conclusion
After a decade of waiting, Sleeping Dogs fans are hungrier than ever for a sequel. With gaming technology making massive open-world cities more immersive than ever, the potential is immense for an amazing return to Hong Kong’s criminal underworld. Wei Shen still stands as one of gaming’s most complex heroes, with a journey begging to be continued. All the pieces are there for developer United Front Games to revive a cult classic franchise. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, fans will finally get the Sleeping Dogs sequel of their dreams come true.
FAQs
Q: Is Sleeping Dogs 2 confirmed?
A: No, Sleeping Dogs 2 has not been officially confirmed yet. The game remains the subject of rumors and speculation.
Q: What was the original Sleeping Dogs release date?
A: Sleeping Dogs was originally released on August 14, 2012, for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.
Q: Will Sleeping Dogs 2 be open world?
A: Though unconfirmed, fans widely expect Sleeping Dogs 2 would be an open-world game like the original.
Q: What studio developed the first Sleeping Dogs game?
A: United Front Games developed the original Sleeping Dogs before being shut down in 2016.
Q: What genre will Sleeping Dogs 2 be?
A: Assuming it matches the original, Sleeping Dogs 2 is expected to be an action-adventure game with RPG elements.
