Ubisoft is 'testing' making its games far less annoying to launch on Steam

Ubisoft has announced it is testing a new method to launch its games directly on Steam, eliminating the need to use the Ubisoft Connect launcher. This change applies initially to Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, marking a shift from the publisher's long-standing practice of requiring its own launcher for Steam purchases. The move aims to simplify the launch process for players who have found the dual-launcher setup cumbersome. Ubisoft Connect will still operate in the background to handle cross-progression, cross-play, and other services.

The new approach is described as an initial step toward a smoother Steam launch experience, with Ubisoft committing to iterate and improve the system over time. The publisher has stated that the goal is to deliver expected features while making the Steam experience as seamless as possible. Players will still need a Ubisoft Connect account, but the process will resemble how Diablo 4 operates with Battle.net, where the launcher is not required to play the game.

Ubisoft has confirmed that the new launch method will be extended to other games in its catalog in the future, though no specific timeline has been provided. The announcement follows years of criticism of Ubisoft Connect, which has been described as an additional layer of friction for players accustomed to Steam's ecosystem. The publisher's decision reflects a broader industry trend toward reducing launcher dependency for game launches.

The change is expected to address common frustrations among players, such as the inconvenience of managing multiple launchers. Ubisoft's move aligns with feedback from players who have cited launcher-related annoyances as a deterrent to quick access to games. The testing phase for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown will serve as a pilot for broader implementation across Ubisoft's titles.