Is Ubisoft leaving Steam?

Is Ubisoft Leaving Steam?

Ubisoft, one of the largest video game publishers in the world, has been making waves in the gaming community by leaving Steam, a popular digital distribution platform. But why? In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind Ubisoft’s decision to abandon Steam and explore the implications of this move.

Direct Answer: Yes, Ubisoft is Leaving Steam

In 2019, Ubisoft made a bold move by announcing that it would no longer release its games on Steam, instead opting for a dual launch on its own Ubisoft Connect and Epic Games Store. This decision sent shockwaves throughout the gaming industry, with many speculating about the reasons behind this sudden shift.

Why is Ubisoft Leaving Steam?

According to Ubisoft, the primary reason for leaving Steam is to focus on its own platform, Ubisoft Connect. By doing so, the company aims to create a more streamlined and consistent player experience across all its games. Ubisoft Connect will offer a more personalized experience, with features such as cloud saves, friend lists, and achievements.

Another significant reason is the 12% revenue cut that Steam takes from each game sale. In contrast, Epic Games Store only takes a 5% revenue cut, making it a more attractive option for game developers. By leaving Steam, Ubisoft can retain a larger share of the revenue generated from its games.

What Happened to Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag?

One of the most significant casualties of Ubisoft’s decision to leave Steam is Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. The game was temporarily removed from Steam due to a technical issue, but Ubisoft has since resolved the problem and re-released the game.

Do You Legally Own the Games on Steam?

A common misconception about Steam is that when you "buy" a game, you actually own it. However, you only have a license to play the game under Steam’s rules and conditions. This means that you don’t have the same level of ownership as you would with a physical copy of the game.

What’s the Future of Ubisoft’s Relationship with Steam?

While Ubisoft is no longer releasing its games on Steam, it’s unclear whether the company will continue to support its existing titles on the platform. Ubisoft has not ruled out the possibility of re-releasing its games on Steam in the future, but for now, it seems that the company is committed to its own platform.

Table: Comparison of Steam and Epic Games Store

Conclusion

Ubisoft’s decision to leave Steam is a significant shift in the gaming industry. While the company’s primary goal is to focus on its own platform, it’s clear that the decision is also driven by the desire to retain a larger share of the revenue generated from its games. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other game developers and publishers respond to this move.

What do you think about Ubisoft’s decision to leave Steam? Share your thoughts in the comments below!