Why is Ubisoft not on Steam?
Ubisoft, one of the largest video game developers and publishers in the industry, has been absent from Steam, the largest digital distribution platform for PC games. This has raised questions among gamers and industry enthusiasts about why Ubisoft has chosen not to distribute its games on Steam. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Ubisoft’s decision to skip Steam and focus on other platforms.
Direct Answer:
According to an interview with Ubisoft, the company has decided to prioritize its own storefront, Uplay, and the Epic Games Store over Steam. This decision was made due to the beneficial long-term model that Epic offers, which aligns with Ubisoft’s own business goals. Epic takes a 30% commission on game sales, which is lower than the standard 30-50% commission taken by Steam. Additionally, Epic offers more flexible revenue sharing terms, allowing developers to earn more money from each game sale.
Historical Context:
Ubisoft has a long history with Steam, dating back to 2004. Initially, the company released games on Steam, including titles like Assassin’s Creed and Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell. However, in 2013, Ubisoft announced that it would be pulling its games from Steam, citing concerns over security, DRM, and digital rights management. This move was seen as a bold move, as Steam was (and still is) the dominant digital distribution platform for PC games.
Technical Issues:
One of the main reasons Ubisoft is not on Steam is due to technical issues. In 2016, Ubisoft announced that it was removing Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag from Steam due to a technical issue. This incident was seen as a significant setback for the company’s relations with Steam. Ubisoft’s decision to prioritize its own storefront and Epic Games Store over Steam may have been influenced by this experience.
Gaming Platforms and Distribution:
The decision to prioritize Epic Games Store and Uplay over Steam reflects Ubisoft’s long-term strategy to expand its gaming platforms and distribution channels. By partnering with Epic, Ubisoft can reduce its dependence on Steam, which has been a significant player in the gaming market for over a decade.
Comparison of Steam, Epic Games Store, and Uplay:
Here is a comparison of Steam, Epic Games Store, and Uplay:
| Platform | Commission | Flexible Revenue Sharing | Exclusive Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | 30-50% | No | Yes |
| Epic Games Store | 30% | Yes | No |
| Uplay | Varies | Varies | Yes |
Implications for Gamers:
The absence of Ubisoft from Steam may have significant implications for gamers. Those who prefer to play on Steam may find that they are unable to purchase certain Ubisoft titles, including upcoming releases like Far Cry 6 and Rainbow Six Extraction. However, Epic Games Store and Uplay are also viable options for gamers, offering a similar range of games and services.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Ubisoft’s decision to prioritize Epic Games Store and Uplay over Steam is a strategic move aimed at reducing its dependence on the dominant digital distribution platform and expanding its gaming platforms and distribution channels. While Steam remains a significant player in the gaming market, Epic Games Store and Uplay offer alternative options for gamers and developers alike. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these platforms compete and innovate to meet the changing needs of gamers and developers.