Is Far Cry Available on Steam? A Deep Dive into Ubisoft’s Shifting Platform Strategy
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The availability of the Far Cry franchise on Steam is a bit of a complex issue, marked by shifting publisher strategies and evolving platform exclusivity deals. The short answer is: yes, some Far Cry games are available on Steam, while others are not. The original Far Cry, Far Cry 3, Far Cry 5 and Far Cry 6 are all currently available on the Steam platform.
To fully understand the current situation, we need to delve into the history of Ubisoft’s relationship with Steam, its move towards other platforms like the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect, and its more recent return to Valve’s storefront. This article will break down which Far Cry titles are currently available on Steam, the reasons behind the platform choices, and what the future might hold for the franchise’s presence on Steam.
Ubisoft’s Platform Journey: A Rocky Road with Steam
Ubisoft, like many major game publishers, has navigated the complex landscape of PC game distribution with varying degrees of commitment to Steam. For many years, Steam was the dominant PC gaming marketplace, and Ubisoft faithfully released its titles there. Gamers could easily find and purchase their favorite Ubisoft games alongside countless others.
However, as the digital distribution landscape evolved, so did Ubisoft’s strategy. In 2019, Ubisoft began to pull its newly released games from Steam, opting instead for an exclusive partnership with the Epic Games Store and focusing on its own Ubisoft Connect platform (formerly known as Uplay). This move mirrored similar decisions by other publishers like EA (with Origin, now EA App) and Activision Blizzard (with Battle.net) to control a larger share of the revenue generated by their games and build their own ecosystems.
This decision meant that titles like Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 and subsequent releases bypassed Steam entirely. The move was driven by a desire to reduce Steam’s commission on sales (typically 30%) and to promote Ubisoft Connect, which offers a more direct relationship with players and allows Ubisoft to retain a larger portion of the profits.
The Far Cry Franchise on Steam: A Title-by-Title Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at which Far Cry games are available on Steam and why:
- Far Cry (Original): Yes, the game that started it all is available on Steam. This classic title allows players to experience the groundbreaking action and stunning visuals that defined the first Far Cry game.
- Far Cry 2: Availability varies by region. Check your local Steam store for details.
- Far Cry 3: Yes, Far Cry 3 is available on Steam. Players can immerse themselves in the lawless Rook Islands and confront the iconic villain Vaas Montenegro.
- Far Cry 4: Availability varies by region. Check your local Steam store for details.
- Far Cry 5: Yes, Far Cry 5 is available on Steam. Dive into the open world of Hope County, Montana, and take on Joseph Seed and his cult in this action-packed adventure.
- Far Cry New Dawn: Availability varies by region. Check your local Steam store for details.
- Far Cry 6: Yes, as of May 11, 2023, Far Cry 6 is now available on Steam. This marked Ubisoft’s return to Steam with a major title after a lengthy absence.
The return of Far Cry 6 to Steam was a significant moment, signaling a potential shift in Ubisoft’s strategy. While older titles remained on Steam, the absence of newer releases had been a point of contention for many fans.
Why the Return to Steam?
The reasons behind Ubisoft’s return to Steam are likely multifaceted:
- Reaching a Wider Audience: Steam still boasts a massive user base, and being absent from the platform limits a game’s potential reach. By bringing Far Cry 6 and other titles to Steam, Ubisoft can tap into a large pool of players who prefer to purchase and manage their games through Steam’s ecosystem.
- Steam Deck Compatibility: The success of Valve’s Steam Deck handheld gaming device has made Steam a more attractive platform for developers. Ensuring that games are compatible with the Steam Deck can significantly boost sales and player engagement.
- Evolving Partnerships: The exclusivity deal with the Epic Games Store may have evolved or concluded, allowing Ubisoft to explore other distribution options.
- Player Demand: There was clear demand from players for Ubisoft games to return to Steam. Ubisoft may have recognized the importance of listening to its audience and making its games accessible on their preferred platforms.
The Future of Far Cry on Steam
While Far Cry 6‘s arrival on Steam is encouraging, the future of the franchise’s presence on the platform remains to be seen. Ubisoft’s commitment to Steam will likely depend on the success of their recent releases and the ongoing dynamics of the PC gaming marketplace. If Far Cry 6 performs well on Steam, it’s reasonable to expect that future Far Cry titles will also be released on the platform.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions About Far Cry and Steam Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation:
1. Is Far Cry 6 the only Far Cry game on Steam?
No, Far Cry, Far Cry 3, Far Cry 5, and Far Cry 6 are all currently available on Steam. The availability of Far Cry 2, Far Cry 4, and Far Cry New Dawn may vary by region. Check your local Steam store for details.
2. Why wasn’t Far Cry 6 on Steam at launch?
Far Cry 6 was initially an Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect exclusive due to Ubisoft’s partnership with Epic. This was a strategic decision to promote Epic’s platform and Ubisoft’s own ecosystem.
3. Do I need Ubisoft Connect to play Far Cry games purchased on Steam?
Yes, even if you purchase a Far Cry game on Steam, you will still need to have Ubisoft Connect installed and linked to your Steam account. Steam essentially acts as a launcher, but the game itself is still managed through Ubisoft Connect.
4. Will future Far Cry games be released on Steam?
It’s likely, but not guaranteed. Ubisoft’s decision will likely depend on the success of their recent Steam releases and the evolving landscape of PC game distribution.
5. What happens if I already own Far Cry 6 on Ubisoft Connect?
If you already own Far Cry 6 on Ubisoft Connect, you do not need to purchase it again on Steam. You can continue playing the game through Ubisoft Connect.
6. Are there any differences between the Steam and Ubisoft Connect versions of Far Cry 6?
Functionally, the games are the same. However, you may have different friends lists and achievements depending on the platform you’re playing on.
7. Why did Ubisoft leave Steam in the first place?
Ubisoft left Steam to reduce Steam’s commission on sales (typically 30%) and to promote its own Ubisoft Connect platform, aiming to retain a larger portion of the profits and build a more direct relationship with players.
8. Can I use my Steam Wallet to purchase Far Cry games on Ubisoft Connect?
No, your Steam Wallet can only be used for purchases made directly on the Steam platform.
9. Will older Ubisoft games be returning to Steam?
It’s possible, but Ubisoft hasn’t announced any specific plans beyond Far Cry 6 and other select titles.
10. Is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla available on Steam?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is also available on Steam, marking another major Ubisoft title returning to the platform.
11. Where else can I purchase Far Cry games on PC?
Besides Steam, you can purchase Far Cry games on the Epic Games Store and through Ubisoft Connect.
12. Is there a free trial for Far Cry 6?
Yes, Far Cry 6 has an always-available free trial that gives you access to the full game, with progress limited to the first island.
13. How much storage space do I need for Far Cry 6 on Steam?
Far Cry 6 requires approximately 170 GB of available storage space.
14. What are the minimum system requirements for Far Cry 6 on Steam?
The minimum system requirements for Far Cry 6 include an AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or Intel Core i5-4460 processor, 8GB of RAM, and an AMD Radeon RX 460 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 graphics card with 4GB of VRAM.
15. Are there any discounts available for Far Cry games on Steam?
Discounts vary and depend on ongoing promotions. Keep an eye on the Steam store page for the Far Cry games, as well as the Ubisoft Store page for the games.
Final Thoughts
The saga of Far Cry and its presence on Steam highlights the dynamic nature of the PC gaming market. Publishers like Ubisoft are constantly evaluating the best ways to reach their audience and maximize their revenue. While the exclusivity deals of the past few years caused some frustration for players, the return of Far Cry 6 to Steam signals a potential shift towards greater accessibility and a more open platform strategy.
As fans, we can only hope that this trend continues, and that future Far Cry titles will be readily available on Steam alongside other popular PC gaming platforms. The games themselves are a fascinating intersection of learning, engagement and fun. To explore more about the intersection of games and education, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.