Do I Keep Ubisoft Games? Unraveling Ubisoft’s Ownership Policies
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Yes, in most cases, you do keep the Ubisoft games you purchase. However, the specifics depend on how you acquired the game. If you’ve directly purchased a game through the Ubisoft Connect store or redeemed a key on your account, that game is yours to keep, even if you cancel a Ubisoft+ subscription. The key factor is ownership versus subscription access. Understanding the nuances of digital game ownership in the Ubisoft ecosystem is crucial. This article will dissect Ubisoft’s policies and address common concerns about game ownership, account access, and related issues.
Understanding Game Ownership on Ubisoft Connect
The core principle is simple: purchased games are yours to keep. This contrasts sharply with subscription services like Ubisoft+, where access is contingent on maintaining an active subscription. When you buy a game outright, you are granted a license to play it, tied to your Ubisoft account. This license persists regardless of your subscription status. However, certain scenarios can complicate this, such as game removals due to licensing issues (rare, but possible) or issues with account access.
Purchased Games vs. Ubisoft+ Access
The crucial distinction lies between owning a game and having access to it through Ubisoft+. With a direct purchase, you possess a license to play the game indefinitely (subject to the longevity of the Ubisoft Connect platform itself, a factor relevant to all digital game ownership). Ubisoft+ merely provides temporary access to a catalog of games, which includes the games you do not own. Once your subscription lapses, that access ends.
Cross-Progression and Game Ownership
If you purchase a game that is also available through Ubisoft+, and that game supports cross-progression, your progress and in-game content will transfer over seamlessly, even after your subscription ends. This means you can switch between playing the game through Ubisoft+ and playing your purchased copy without losing any progress.
Potential Issues and Solutions
While Ubisoft generally doesn’t delete purchased games, issues can arise. Here are some potential problems and how to address them:
- Game missing from library: First, ensure you’re logged into the correct Ubisoft account. It’s surprisingly common for users to have multiple accounts and forget which one holds their games. If you’re certain you’re on the right account, contact Ubisoft Support.
- Ownership authentication errors: This usually occurs when launching a Ubisoft game through Steam while logged into the wrong Ubisoft account. Double-check your linked accounts.
- Installation problems: If a game appears in your library but won’t install, verify the game files through Ubisoft Connect.
- Locating installed games: Ubisoft Connect allows you to manually locate installed game files if the launcher can’t find them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ubisoft Game Ownership
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify Ubisoft’s game ownership policies:
1. What happens to my purchased Ubisoft games if I cancel Ubisoft+?
You keep all the games you purchased outright, regardless of your Ubisoft+ subscription status. You only lose access to the games you played through Ubisoft+ that you didn’t purchase.
2. Will Ubisoft delete my account if I’m inactive?
Ubisoft has clarified that they won’t delete your account and purchased games with only “30 days’ notice”. While they may eventually close inactive accounts, they provide ample warning and opportunity to reactivate.
3. How do I know if I actually own a Ubisoft game?
Log into Ubisoft Connect with the account you used to purchase the game. Go to the “Games” tab. If the game is listed there and doesn’t require a Ubisoft+ subscription to play, you own it.
4. Why does Ubisoft Connect say I don’t own a game I bought?
This could be due to several reasons: you’re logged into the wrong account, the game was redeemed on a different account, or there’s a temporary server issue. Double-check your account details and contact Ubisoft Support if the problem persists.
5. Can I transfer Ubisoft games to Steam?
No, you cannot directly transfer games between Ubisoft Connect and Steam. However, if you purchased the game on Steam, it should automatically activate on Ubisoft Connect. You’ll still need Steam to play the game.
6. Can I transfer a Ubisoft game from one Ubisoft account to another?
Officially, it’s not possible to directly transfer games between accounts. However, Ubisoft Support may consider exceptions under specific circumstances, such as proving you own both accounts and providing valid proof of purchase.
7. I purchased a game on Xbox. Can I play it on PC through Ubisoft Connect?
Not necessarily. Unless the game supports cross-buy (which is rare), you’ll need to purchase the game separately for PC to play it on Ubisoft Connect. However, cross-progression may be supported if you link your Xbox and Ubisoft accounts.
8. How do I move my installed Ubisoft games to a different drive?
You can manually move the game files using File Explorer. Then, within Ubisoft Connect, select the game and choose “Locate installed game” to point the launcher to the new location.
9. Can I merge two Ubisoft accounts?
No, it is not possible to merge two Ubisoft accounts. You’ll need to choose one account and stick with it.
10. What happens to my game saves if I uninstall a Ubisoft game?
Ubisoft Connect typically stores save files in the cloud. However, it’s always wise to back up your local save files just in case. You can find the save files in the Ubisoft Connect installation directory, within the “savegames” folder.
11. Why did Ubisoft stop releasing games on Steam for a while?
Ubisoft opted to prioritize the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Store, citing a more favorable revenue split.
12. Is Ubisoft in financial trouble?
Ubisoft has faced financial challenges recently, including game cancellations and delays. However, they remain a major player in the gaming industry.
13. I bought Rainbow Six Siege on console. Do I need to buy it again on PC?
Yes, you’ll need to purchase Rainbow Six Siege separately for PC. It’s not a Play Anywhere title.
14. Will Ubisoft bring all their games back to Steam?
Ubisoft has started returning to Steam, beginning with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. It’s likely that more Ubisoft games will become available on Steam in the future.
15. How does cross-progression work between different platforms?
For cross-progression to function, you must link your Ubisoft account to the accounts of the other platforms you play on (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, Steam). This allows your game progress to synchronize across those platforms.
Conclusion: Mastering Ubisoft’s Game Ownership Landscape
Navigating Ubisoft’s game ownership policies requires understanding the distinction between purchased games and subscription-based access. While purchased games are yours to keep, Ubisoft+ provides temporary access to a wider catalog. By carefully managing your Ubisoft account, backing up your saves, and staying informed about Ubisoft’s policies, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. As the landscape of game ownership continues to evolve, staying informed is key. For more insights into the gaming industry and learning through games, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.