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Entertainment • Video Game

Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs is a 2012 action-adventure video game developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sleeping Dogs is a 2012 action-adventure video game developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix. Set in contemporary Hong Kong, it follows undercover police officer Wei Shen as he infiltrates the Sun On Yee triad. The game was originally released for PlayStation 3, Windows, and Xbox 360, with a later remastered Definitive Edition.

Gameplay

Sleeping Dogs is an open-world, third-person action-adventure game. It combines open-world exploration with combat, driving, and mission-based progression.

Plot

The narrative follows Wei Shen, an undercover officer sent to infiltrate the Sun On Yee triad in Hong Kong. The story focuses on the conflict between his police duties and his deepening involvement in the criminal underworld.

Development and release

The game was developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix. It launched in 2012 on PlayStation 3, Windows, and Xbox 360, and later received a remastered Definitive Edition.

Setting

The game takes place in a modern Hong Kong inspired by real locations. Its district-based structure supports exploration and mission variety.

Key facts

  • Sleeping Dogs is an open-world, third-person action-adventure game.
  • The story centres on Wei Shen, a Hong Kong-American police officer working undercover in a triad.
  • The game is set in a fictionalised version of Hong Kong divided into several districts.
  • It was first released in August 2012 for PlayStation 3, Windows, and Xbox 360.
  • A remastered version, Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition, was later released for newer platforms.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of game is Sleeping Dogs?
It is an open-world action-adventure game played from a third-person perspective.
Who developed Sleeping Dogs?
It was developed by United Front Games.
Who published Sleeping Dogs?
It was published by Square Enix.
What is Sleeping Dogs about?
It follows undercover police officer Wei Shen as he infiltrates a Hong Kong triad organization.
When was Sleeping Dogs released?
It was released in 2012 for PlayStation 3, Windows, and Xbox 360.
Is there a remastered version of Sleeping Dogs?
Yes. Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition was later released with additional content and updates.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Dogs_(video_game)
    Supports: Developer, publisher, genre, setting, protagonist, platforms, and release year.
  2. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Dogs_(jeu_vid%C3%A9o)
    Supports: Definitive Edition release and platform details.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2241982/
    Supports: Plot premise, original title, and working title information.