Ubisoft is changing how players access its games on Steam by removing the mandatory standalone Ubisoft Connect launcher. This shift matters because it reduces the friction of launching titles, allowing users to start games directly without an extra step. The change aims to streamline the experience for PC gamers who prefer a unified platform interface.
New service maintains cross-play and progression without extra steps
The company is testing this new approach with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. This specific title serves as the initial pilot for a broader infrastructure update across the publisher's catalog. Players using this game will be the first to interact with the updated integration method.
A new component called Ubisoft Connect Services replaces the previous launcher requirement. This service handles core functionalities that were previously managed by the standalone application. It ensures that cross-progression, cross-play, and player safety features continue to work as expected. The system also maintains access to in-game challenges and social features without the separate client.
Ubisoft plans to extend Ubisoft Connect Services to additional games on Steam in the future. This rollout will gradually remove the launcher dependency from more titles in the store. The change represents a structural update to how the publisher integrates its services with Valve's platform.
Source: SteamDeckHQ
