Ubisoft Ditches PC Launcher for Steam Players

Ubisoft has begun a transition away from its PC launcher for Steam users, starting with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. A new tool, Ubisoft Connect Services, will now manage game features such as cross-progression, cross-play, and player rewards directly within Steam, removing the requirement to install or launch the separate Ubisoft Connect PC application. This initiative is described by Ubisoft as an initial step towards a more streamlined and improved launch experience on Steam, with further iterations planned to enhance player convenience.

The decision to decouple Ubisoft Connect is seen as a positive development by many gamers who dislike managing multiple game launchers. This move is also speculated to improve accessibility for Ubisoft titles on alternative platforms, particularly those using compatibility layers like Proton, by simplifying the login and account management process. Initial reactions on Steam have been largely positive, with some players indicating it may encourage them to purchase Ubisoft games again.

However, some users have voiced concerns that certain functionalities, like family sharing, might still encounter issues due to the underlying Connect service. Additionally, there's an expectation that an online connection may still be required for playing some single-player titles, a common feature of digital rights management. Despite these potential drawbacks, the removal of a secondary login step is viewed as a significant improvement for overall user experience.