GoKawiilLooking ahead: Although Ubisoft's PC game launcher has a few useful features, gamers have long criticized the publisher's policy of bundling the software with its Steam releases. A recent game update suggests that Ubisoft is at least considering simpler options that retain Ubisoft Connect's advantages.
A recent update for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown reveals that Ubisoft is testing a streamlined tool that connects users to their Ubisoft accounts without requiring them to install the Ubisoft Connect client. More Ubisoft games on Steam will receive the feature, called Ubisoft Connect Services, although it remains unclear when.
Many Steam users prefer keeping Valve's ubiquitous storefront as their sole PC game launcher, but Ubisoft games currently require Ubisoft Connect regardless of where they are purchased. Although Ubisoft's client enables cross-platform multiplayer and progression, launching a separate client while booting a game from Steam is often viewed as an unnecessary annoyance.
Ubisoft Connect Services aims to remove the publisher's launcher from the process while retaining cross-play, cross-progression, challenges, and rewards tied to Ubisoft accounts. Players will likely still need to log into their Ubisoft accounts to enjoy these features.
The move is the latest in a years-long retreat toward Steam. Ubisoft once stopped releasing its titles on Steam for many years to draw customers toward Ubisoft Connect and the Epic Games Store. However, the publisher relented in 2022, shifting to a policy of delayed Steam releases.
However, as Ubisoft's financial situation deteriorated over the years, this policy also evaporated. When Star Wars Outlaws failed to meet the company's commercial estimates, Ubisoft moved its Steam release forward to coincide with a DLC launch and boost sales. The company also announced that Assassin's Creed Shadows would mark a return to day-one Steam releases.
Removing Ubisoft Connect from its games might be the final signal that the publisher has given up hope of pulling its PC customers away from Valve's market-dominating client. It also eliminates one of the primary annoyances that discouraged many users from buying Ubisoft games on PC, so the company likely hopes the move will drum up some badly needed sales.
A series of commercial misses and numerous cancellations have eroded Ubisoft's stock price by more than 90% over the past five years, prompting the company to begin a major reorganization in January. While it remains unclear whether Ubisoft can turn the corner or how much Ubisoft Connect Services will help, its last major release, a remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, was considered a hit.
So far, EA and Rockstar have not revealed plans to remove their launchers from games installed via Steam.