What Games Are Ubisoft Removing from Steam?
Ubisoft, a French multinational video game developer and publisher, has been making significant changes to its digital distribution strategy. In recent years, the company has been pulling out its games from the Steam platform, and in this article, we will explore which games have been removed from Steam by Ubisoft.
Games Removed from Steam by Ubisoft
Here are the games that Ubisoft has removed from Steam:
• Anno 2070: Anno 2070 is a real-time strategy game that was released in 2011. It was a critical and commercial success, but Ubisoft decided to remove it from Steam in 2023.
• Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD: Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD is an action-adventure game that was released in 2012. It was a spin-off of the Assassin’s Creed series, and Ubisoft removed it from Steam in 2023.
• Silent Hunter 5: Battle of the Atlantic: Silent Hunter 5: Battle of the Atlantic is a submarine simulation game that was released in 2010. It was developed by Ubisoft Blue Byte, and Ubisoft removed it from Steam in 2023.
• Space Junkies: Space Junkies is a multiplayer VR shooter game that was released in 2019. Ubisoft removed it from Steam in 2023.
Reasons for Removing Games from Steam
Ubisoft has not publicly disclosed the exact reasons for removing these games from Steam, but there are a few possible explanations. One reason could be that the company wants to focus on its own digital distribution platform, the Ubisoft Store, and reduce its reliance on Steam.
Ubisoft’s Shift towards Self-Distribution
In recent years, Ubisoft has been expanding its own digital distribution platform, the Ubisoft Store, and offering a wider range of games for sale. This shift towards self-distribution may be a way for the company to gain more control over the distribution of its games and reduce its dependence on third-party platforms like Steam.
Other Consequences of Ubisoft’s Shift towards Self-Distribution
Ubisoft’s shift towards self-distribution has several other consequences for the gaming industry. For one, it may lead to a loss of revenue for Steam, which could have a ripple effect on the entire PC gaming industry.
• Potential Impact on PC Gaming Industry
The removal of Ubisoft’s games from Steam could have a significant impact on the PC gaming industry. With fewer games available on Steam, players may turn to other digital distribution platforms like GOG.com or the Epic Games Store. This could lead to a shift in the market dynamics and potentially alter the way games are distributed and consumed.
• Alternative Platforms
GOG.com and the Epic Games Store are two alternative digital distribution platforms that are gaining popularity. GOG.com is a DRM-free platform that offers a curated selection of PC games, while the Epic Games Store is a digital storefront that offers a range of games, including exclusives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ubisoft has removed several games from Steam, including Anno 2070, Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD, Silent Hunter 5: Battle of the Atlantic, and Space Junkies. While the company has not disclosed the exact reasons for these removals, it is likely that the shift towards self-distribution is a key factor. As the PC gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this trend affects the way games are distributed and consumed.