Why did Ubisoft pull out of Steam?
Ubisoft, a renowned video game developer and publisher, made a significant decision in 2019 to stop releasing their games on Steam, a popular digital distribution platform for PC games. The reason behind this move has sparked curiosity among gamers and industry enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve into the factors that led to Ubisoft’s departure from Steam and explore the company’s subsequent decisions.
Initial Decision
In 2019, Ubisoft announced that they would no longer be releasing their games on Steam. The company cited Epic Games Store as their primary platform for PC releases, stating that it offers a more competitive revenue share and exclusive features. This decision was seen as a blow to Steam, which has long been the dominant digital distribution platform for PC games.
Reasons behind the Decision
Several reasons contributed to Ubisoft’s decision to leave Steam:
• Revenue Share: Epic Games Store offers a 88% revenue share for developers, compared to Steam’s 70%. This significant difference in revenue share was a major factor in Ubisoft’s decision.
• Exclusive Features: The Epic Games Store offers features such as automatic game updates, friends lists, and community tools, which were not available on Steam.
• Competition: The video game market is highly competitive, and Ubisoft wanted to focus on a single platform to maximize their revenue and audience reach.
Consequences of the Decision
The consequences of Ubisoft’s decision were far-reaching:
• Loss of Steam’s User Base: By leaving Steam, Ubisoft lost access to Steam’s massive user base, which had previously been a significant source of revenue.
• Gaming Community Impact: The decision affected the gaming community, as fans of Ubisoft’s games were no longer able to purchase and play them on Steam.
• Competition from Other Platforms: The move allowed other platforms, such as GOG and Green Man Gaming, to gain ground and attract more users.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Ubisoft has made some significant changes to their PC gaming strategy:
• Return to Steam: In 2023, Ubisoft announced that they would be returning to Steam with the release of Far Cry 6. This move signals a shift in the company’s strategy, as they now plan to release their games on multiple platforms, including Steam.
• Multi-Platform Approach: Ubisoft has adopted a multi-platform approach, releasing their games on multiple platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, and their own Ubisoft Store.
Comparison of Platforms
Here is a comparison of the main digital distribution platforms:
| Platform | Revenue Share | Exclusive Features |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | 70% | Automatic game updates, friends lists, community tools |
| Epic Games Store | 88% | Automatic game updates, friends lists, community tools |
| Ubisoft Store | 100% | Automatic game updates, friends lists, community tools |
In conclusion, Ubisoft’s decision to leave Steam was largely driven by the desire for a more competitive revenue share and exclusive features. While the move had significant consequences, the company has since shifted its strategy to adopt a multi-platform approach. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Ubisoft and other developers navigate the complex landscape of digital distribution platforms.