Why did Ubisoft leave Steam?

Why Did Ubisoft Leave Steam?

In 2019, Ubisoft made the surprise announcement that it would be pulling its games from Steam, one of the most popular digital distribution platforms for PC games. This decision marked a significant shift in the gaming industry, as Ubisoft had been one of the few major publishers to remain on Steam alongside its own platform, Uplay.

So, what prompted Ubisoft to leave Steam behind? The answer lies in a combination of factors, including changes in the gaming market, shifting business strategies, and a desire to create a more seamless player experience.

Changes in the Gaming Market

The PC gaming market has undergone significant changes in recent years. The rise of digital distribution platforms such as Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store has changed the way games are distributed and consumed. This shift has forced game developers and publishers to adapt to new business models and strategies.

In the early days of digital distribution, Steam was the dominant platform, and it maintained a strong hold on the market for many years. However, in recent years, Epic Games Store has gained popularity, offering more generous revenue splits and fewer DRM restrictions. This shift has forced Ubisoft and other publishers to reevaluate their strategies and consider alternative distribution platforms.

Shifting Business Strategies

Ubisoft’s decision to leave Steam behind is also linked to its evolving business strategy. The company has been working to build a more streamlined and connected gaming ecosystem, with a focus on providing a better player experience. By offering its games exclusively on Uplay and Epic Games Store, Ubisoft can better control the distribution process and create a more seamless experience for players.

For example, Ubisoft’s subscription service, Uplay+, offers players access to a curated library of games, exclusive content, and other benefits. By moving its games to Uplay, the company can better integrate this service and provide players with a more comprehensive gaming experience.

Desire for a More Seamless Player Experience

One of the main reasons for Ubisoft’s decision to leave Steam is its desire to create a more seamless player experience. By moving its games to Uplay and Epic Games Store, the company can better integrate its games and services, creating a more cohesive and streamlined experience for players.

For example, players will be able to access all of Ubisoft’s games through Uplay, including new releases, updates, and exclusive content. This integration will allow players to easily find and play Ubisoft’s games, without the need to juggle multiple platforms and accounts.

What’s Next for Ubisoft and Steam?

Ubisoft’s decision to leave Steam has left many questions unanswered. While the company has confirmed that it will be releasing games on other platforms, it has not specified which titles will be available on which platforms.

In a recent statement, Ubisoft said, "We are constantly evaluating how to bring our games to different audiences wherever they are, while providing a consistent player ecosystem through Uplay."

This statement suggests that Ubisoft will continue to support other platforms, including Steam, while focusing on building a more robust and connected gaming ecosystem through Uplay and Epic Games Store.

Conclusion

Ubisoft’s decision to leave Steam has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, forcing other publishers to reevaluate their strategies and consider alternative distribution platforms. The company’s desire to create a more seamless player experience and its evolving business strategy are driving its decision to leave Steam behind.

While it remains unclear which games will be available on which platforms, Ubisoft’s decision marks a significant shift in the gaming industry. As the company continues to adapt and evolve, one thing is clear: the future of gaming distribution is more uncertain than ever.