Why did Ubisoft go back to Steam?

Why did Ubisoft go back to Steam?

Ubisoft, a prominent video game developer and publisher, made a surprising move by returning to Steam, a popular digital distribution platform, after a three-year absence. The French company had previously shifted its focus to its own Ubisoft Store and the Epic Games Store. So, what led to this change of heart? In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind Ubisoft’s decision to return to Steam.

A Business Decision

In an interview, a Ubisoft spokesperson revealed that the company’s decision to return to Steam was driven by business considerations. The company aims to expand its reach and increase its online presence by making its games available on multiple platforms, including Steam. By doing so, Ubisoft can tap into the vast user base of Steam, which has over 150 million active accounts.

Competing with Epic Games Store

Ubisoft’s decision to return to Steam can be seen as a response to the growing competition from the Epic Games Store. In 2018, Epic Games launched its own digital store, which has gained popularity due to its attractive revenue split (88% to developers) and the absence of Steam’s Digital Rights Management (DRM) restrictions. By releasing its games on Steam, Ubisoft can compete more effectively with the Epic Games Store and maintain its market share.

Player Demand

Another reason for Ubisoft’s return to Steam is the demand from players. Steam has a massive user base, and many players were disappointed when Ubisoft’s games were no longer available on the platform. By bringing its games back to Steam, Ubisoft can satisfy this demand and maintain a stronger connection with its fan base.

Key Takeaways

Here are some key points to summarize the reasons behind Ubisoft’s decision to return to Steam:

• Business considerations: Expanding reach and increasing online presence
• Competing with Epic Games Store: Tapping into the vast user base and offering a alternative to the Epic Games Store
• Player demand: Satisfying the demand from players who want to play Ubisoft’s games on Steam

Games Available on Steam

Ubisoft has started releasing its games on Steam, including:

• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Roller Champions
• Immortals Fenyx Rising

DRM and Licensing

It’s worth noting that Ubisoft’s games on Steam are still subject to the company’s Digital Rights Management (DRM) system, which means that players must log in to their Ubisoft account to play the game. This is a major difference from the Epic Games Store, which does not have any DRM restrictions.

Unlinking Accounts

If you have a Ubisoft account linked to Steam, you can unlink it by following these steps:

1. Go to the Account Information webpage
2. Scroll down to the Linked accounts section
3. Locate the platform you want to disconnect (Steam)
4. Select Unlink

Conclusion

Ubisoft’s decision to return to Steam is a strategic move to expand its reach, compete with the Epic Games Store, and satisfy player demand. The company’s games are now available on Steam, but players should be aware that they are still subject to Ubisoft’s DRM system. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Ubisoft and other game developers adapt to the changing landscape.

Table: Ubisoft’s Availability on Different Platforms

Note: This table is not exhaustive, and Ubisoft’s availability on different platforms may change over time.