Will Ubisoft Bring Their Games Back to Steam?
Ubisoft, a well-known French multinational video game developer and publisher, has been absent from Steam, the popular digital distribution platform, for a while. However, it seems like the company is reconsidering its stance and might be planning to bring its games back to Steam. But why did Ubisoft leave Steam in the first place, and what are the implications of its potential return?
Why Did Ubisoft Leave Steam?
In 2019, Ubisoft announced that it would be skipping Steam and instead opting for its own digital distribution platform, Ubisoft Connect. The move was seen as a surprise by many in the gaming industry, given Steam’s massive user base and its reputation as a go-to platform for PC gamers. However, Ubisoft cited reasons such as wanting more control over its own distribution strategy, better user data analysis, and the ability to offer more frequent updates and patches.
What Games Will Ubisoft Bring Back to Steam?
Ubisoft has already announced that some of its popular titles will be returning to Steam. These include Far Cry 6, Riders Republic, Rainbow Six Extraction, and Monopoly Madness. These games were previously exclusive to Ubisoft Connect, and their return to Steam could be a significant boost for the platform.
Assassin’s Creed: Is It Coming to Steam?
One of the most popular Ubisoft franchises, Assassin’s Creed, has been absent from Steam for a while. However, there are rumors that the next installment in the series, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, might be coming to Steam. This would be a significant development, as Assassin’s Creed is known for its massive player base and its impact on the gaming industry.
Table: Ubisoft Games Returning to Steam
| Game Title | Release Date | Current Platform | New Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Far Cry 6 | May 2021 | Ubisoft Connect | Steam |
| Riders Republic | October 2021 | Ubisoft Connect | Steam |
| Rainbow Six Extraction | June 2022 | Ubisoft Connect | Steam |
| Monopoly Madness | October 2021 | Ubisoft Connect | Steam |
Why Does Ubisoft Want to Return to Steam?
So, why is Ubisoft reconsidering its stance and returning to Steam? There are several reasons:
- More Exposure: By returning to Steam, Ubisoft can gain more exposure for its games, as Steam has a massive user base of over 150 million active users.
- Increased Sales: Steam is known for its robust sales and revenue-sharing model, which can help Ubisoft generate more revenue from its games.
- Competition: Ubisoft might be feeling pressure from other game developers and publishers that have a strong presence on Steam, such as Bethesda and Valve.
- Player Feedback: Ubisoft might be responding to feedback from players who have been asking for the company’s games to be available on Steam.
What’s Next for Ubisoft and Steam?
The return of Ubisoft games to Steam is likely to be a significant development in the gaming industry. As more and more game developers and publishers consider Steam as a key platform, the competition for players’ attention will only increase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ubisoft’s decision to return to Steam is likely to be a significant boon for the platform and the gaming industry as a whole. With more games returning to Steam, players can expect a wider range of options and a more vibrant gaming community. As Ubisoft continues to explore new distribution strategies, it will be interesting to see how its relationship with Steam evolves.
References
- Ubisoft Press Release: "Ubisoft Announces Return to Steam"
- Steam News: "Ubisoft Returns to Steam with Far Cry 6 and More"
- Gamerant: "Ubisoft is Struggling: What’s Going Wrong?"