Playing a Ubisoft recreation from Steam normally requires putting in and operating Ubisoft Connect, which is the writer’s personal desktop launcher. It’s annoying to make use of one launcher—Steam—to entry one other launcher—Ubisoft Connect—with a purpose to play an Assassin’s Creed recreation, however it’s been that approach for years, and Ubisoft is not alone in insisting on it: EA and Rockstar each do it too.
But it seems to be like Ubisoft is altering tack: beginning with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, for some purpose, the writer is “testing” disposing of the launcher altogether, although software program will nonetheless run within the background for “cross-progression, cross-play, player safety, challenges and rewards” by way of a brand new Ubisoft Connect Services Steam software.
“This first version is an initial step toward a smoother and more streamlined launch experience on Steam,” the Steam announcement reads. “We will continue to iterate and improve Ubisoft Connect Services over time, with the goal of delivering the features and services players use and expect while making the Steam experience as seamless as possible.”
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I do not suppose this implies you will not want a Ubisoft Connect account: It’ll seemingly function extra like Diablo 4, which requires a Battle.web account however does not require launching the Battle.web software.
The submit additionally guarantees that the brand new technique will roll out to different Ubisoft video games sooner or later. It’ll be good when it does: I’ve positively resisted the spontaneous urge for a Rainbow Six Siege match because of the petty annoyance of getting it to open. When Robin Valentine rated all of PC gaming’s launchers in 2024, Ubisoft’s got here in very near the underside.
“Another launcher only used under duress, Ubisoft Connect’s most notable feature is adding even more things to earn and buy to Ubisoft’s already overstuffed games,” he wrote.