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4w ago

Ubisoft Tests Backend to Let Steam Players Run Games Without Its PC Launcher

The company says the new Ubisoft Connect Services keeps core features such as cross-progression and will be rolled out to more Steam titles over time.

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A screenshot from Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown showing a battle scene. The Steam logo is placed over the warrior’s head, and the Ubisoft logo is placed over the creature’s head.
A new Ubisoft Steam tool could lead to a launcher-free future for its games
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Overview

  • Ubisoft began a limited test on Thursday that links Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown to a backend called Ubisoft Connect Services so Steam owners can launch the game without installing or opening the standalone Ubisoft Connect PC launcher.
  • The publisher says the new backend preserves Ubisoft features including cross-progression, cross-play, player safety systems, in-game challenges and rewards while running through Steam.
  • The change is a soft, iterative rollout that so far appears only in a Steam library update visible to game owners and has been shared publicly by users on Reddit.
  • Early reports note players may still need to link their Ubisoft account to Steam even if the separate Ubisoft Connect launcher is no longer required to run supported games.
  • If testing succeeds, Ubisoft plans to expand the tool across its Steam catalogue, a move that could cut launcher clutter for PC players and influence future buying choices for Ubisoft titles.