Is Assassins Creed on Steam or Uplay?

Is Assassin’s Creed on Steam or Uplay?

The popular action-adventure game series Assassin’s Creed has long been a mainstay of Ubisoft, a prominent game developer and publisher. Over the years, the series has released numerous games, each with its own unique storyline, setting, and gameplay mechanics. While Assassin’s Creed games have traditionally been available on a variety of platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, the question often arises as to whether they can be found on Steam or Uplay.

Assassin’s Creed Games on Steam vs Uplay

Upon examining the latest Assassin’s Creed titles, it’s become apparent that Ubisoft has shifted its strategy for releasing games. In 2019, Ubisoft abandoned Steam for PC releases and chose to distribute them exclusively through Uplay or the Epic Games Store.

Why this Shift?

By moving away from Steam, Ubisoft has chosen to maintain full control over the distribution, marketing, and maintenance of its PC games. The publisher aims to create a centralized hub, Ubisoft Connect, which allows players to easily purchase, install, and manage their games on multiple platforms, including PC, console, and mobile devices. Furthermore, the shift reduces the share of revenue that Ubisoft would have given to Steam, an online retail platform owned by Valve.

Uplay and Ubisoft Connect

Uplay, the original hub for PC gamers, has since evolved to become Ubisoft Connect. This streamlined platform unifies the gaming ecosystem, providing cross-platform integration, multiplayer functionality, and loyalty rewards. Allowing players to buy, access, and play games directly through their respective accounts, Ubisoft Connect simplifies gaming for both fans and developers. Furthermore, this shift may have benefited developers by retaining more control and greater visibility over their releases.

When is Assassin’s Creed on Steam?

Although there are only a few Assassin’s Creed titles accessible on Steam, Anno 1800, a city builder/strategic combat game, stands as an exception to the rule. This game debuted exclusively on Steam for PC enthusiasts.

Why Did Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Vanish?

Another notable event is the unfortunate removal of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag from Steam stores. According to rumors, this took place due to "technical issues", leaving fans unsure about this decision. Meanwhile, other entries in the series maintain their distribution on other platforms.

Additional Insights into Ubisoft’s Strategy

Ubisoft has also committed to strengthening its partnership with Epic Games to develop exclusive releases for the latter’s storefront. This includes titles Just Dance 2021 and The Division 2, expanding their reach further.

In summary, Assassin’s Creed games no longer appear on Steam unless specifically chosen by Ubisoft or in exceptions, such as the unique case of Anno 1800. Assassin’s Creed titles may be encountered on other platforms, or through purchases directly from Uplay/UbiSoft Connect, which, with its growth, should make it increasingly accessible across platforms.

Note: Some Assassin’s Creed titles (except Anno 1800) can be found in separate stores or libraries; however, if you opt for Uplay/UbiSoft Connect directly, games can be accessed at any platform you prefer using your digital license.