What happened to Ubisoft and Steam?

What Happened to Ubisoft and Steam?

In recent years, the video game industry has witnessed a significant shift in the way games are distributed and consumed. One notable example is the relationship between Ubisoft and Steam, which has undergone a significant change. In this article, we will explore what happened to Ubisoft and Steam, and what the implications are for gamers.

The Departure from Steam

In early 2019, Ubisoft announced that it would no longer release its games on Steam, the popular digital distribution platform. Instead, the company opted to focus on its own store and the Epic Games Store. This move marked a significant departure from the traditional relationship between game developers and Steam.

Reasons for the Departure

According to Ubisoft, the decision to leave Steam was driven by a desire to maintain more control over the distribution and monetization of its games. The company cited the rising cost of fees associated with selling games on Steam, as well as the platform’s limited control over game updates and patching.

The Rise of the Epic Games Store

The Epic Games Store, which was launched in 2018, offered Ubisoft a more attractive alternative. With a lower revenue share (12% compared to Steam’s 30%) and more control over game updates, Ubisoft saw an opportunity to maximize its profits and maintain a stronger connection with its customers.

Ubisoft’s New Approach

Ubisoft’s decision to abandon Steam marked a significant shift in its distribution strategy. The company began releasing its games exclusively on the Epic Games Store, with some titles also available on its own digital storefront, Uplay.

Return to Steam?

However, in a surprising move, Ubisoft has recently announced that it will be returning to Steam with a selection of its titles. The company has stated that it will continue to prioritize the Epic Games Store, but will also release games on Steam to reach a wider audience.

Implications for Gamers

So, what does this mean for gamers? Here are a few key implications:

• More choice: With Ubisoft’s return to Steam, gamers will have more options when it comes to purchasing and playing Ubisoft titles.
• Wider availability: By releasing games on both the Epic Games Store and Steam, Ubisoft will be able to reach a broader audience and make its games more accessible to players.
• Lower prices: With competition from multiple platforms, gamers may benefit from lower prices for Ubisoft titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Ubisoft continue to release games on the Epic Games Store?
A: Yes, Ubisoft will continue to prioritize the Epic Games Store as its primary digital distribution platform.

Q: Can I still play Ubisoft games on Steam?
A: Yes, Ubisoft has announced that it will be releasing a selection of its titles on Steam, in addition to the Epic Games Store and Uplay.

Q: Why did Ubisoft leave Steam in the first place?
A: Ubisoft cited rising fees and limited control over game updates as the primary reasons for its departure from Steam.

Conclusion

The relationship between Ubisoft and Steam has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. While Ubisoft initially departed from Steam due to concerns over fees and control, it has since announced a return to the platform with a selection of its titles. For gamers, this means more choice and wider availability, as well as the potential for lower prices. As the video game industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other game developers and publishers adapt to the changing landscape.

Table: Ubisoft’s Platform Availability

Note: The table above reflects Ubisoft’s current platform availability, but may be subject to change as the company continues to adapt to the changing market.