Can You Transfer Games Between Ubisoft Accounts? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is: generally, no. Ubisoft does not typically allow the transfer of games between Ubisoft accounts. However, there are very specific circumstances where they may consider a transfer. This article will delve into the intricacies of this topic, providing you with all the information you need, along with a comprehensive list of FAQs.
Understanding Ubisoft’s Account Policies
Ubisoft’s stance on account and game ownership is quite strict. They emphasize individual account security and adherence to their Terms of Use, which explicitly discourages account sharing and transfers. This policy is in place to prevent fraud, maintain account integrity, and ensure a fair gaming environment for all players. So the answer is not likely, but keep reading to see under which circumstances it could occur.
The Exception to the Rule: Specific Circumstances
While a straightforward transfer is usually impossible, there are rare exceptions. According to one old Ubisoft article, if you meet very specific requirements, Ubisoft might consider transferring a game. This usually involves proving that you are the rightful owner of both accounts, and that a genuine mistake was made during the initial game activation.
The steps to potentially initiate this request are:
- Open a support case from the Ubisoft account where the game is currently registered.
- Submit valid proof of purchase along with your support case. This is crucial. Without proof of purchase, your request will almost certainly be denied. The proof of purchase should clearly show the game title, date of purchase, and the account it was originally intended for (if possible).
- Explain the circumstances in detail. Be honest and clear about why you believe the transfer is warranted. If you accidentally activated the game on the wrong account, explain how the mistake occurred.
- Provide information for both accounts. You may need to provide usernames and email addresses associated with both the source and destination accounts.
Important Considerations:
- Ubisoft reserves the right to refuse any transfer request. Even if you meet the criteria, there’s no guarantee they will grant the transfer.
- The decision is made on a case-by-case basis. This means each request is evaluated individually.
- This process can be lengthy. Be prepared to wait for a response and potentially provide additional information.
- Proof of purchase is critical. Without it, your request is highly unlikely to succeed.
Why Are Transfers So Difficult?
The primary reason for the difficulty in transferring games lies in Ubisoft’s licensing and security measures. When you purchase a game and activate it on a Ubisoft account, that game license is tied to that specific account. Allowing easy transfers would open the door to potential fraud, account selling, and other violations of their terms of service. Additionally, it can cause cross-progression issues.
Alternatives to Game Transfers
Since transferring games is highly unlikely, consider these alternatives:
- Purchase the game again. This is the most straightforward solution. While it requires spending more money, it guarantees you can play the game on the desired account.
- Utilize cross-progression and cross-play features where available. Many newer Ubisoft games support cross-progression, allowing you to share progress across different platforms as long as you link your platform accounts to the same Ubisoft account.
Understanding Cross-Progression and Cross-Play
Cross-progression allows you to continue your game progress on different platforms. For example, if you play Rainbow Six Siege on PS4 and link your PS4 account to your Ubisoft account, you can continue playing on PC with the same progress, assuming you own the game on PC as well. Note that you do not have to purchase the game twice if you want to play with someone on a different system, since most Ubisoft games support Cross-play.
Cross-play enables you to play with other players on different platforms. This is a separate feature from cross-progression but often complements it.
Examples of Games with Cross-Progression
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Discovery Tour: Viking Age
- Riders Republic
- Rainbow Six Extraction
- Rainbow Six Siege
- The Division 2
To take advantage of these features, you must link your platform accounts (e.g., PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Steam) to your Ubisoft account through the Ubisoft Account Management website.
Best Practices for Account Management
To avoid the need for game transfers in the first place, follow these best practices:
- Double-check which Ubisoft account you are logged into before purchasing and activating any game.
- Keep your account credentials secure. Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication.
- Be wary of sharing your account information with anyone, as this violates Ubisoft’s Terms of Use.
- Link your platform accounts to your Ubisoft account carefully. Ensure you are linking the correct accounts.
Ubisoft has been at the forefront of game-based learning. You can learn more at the Games Learning Society website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding game transfers and related topics:
1. Can I merge two Ubisoft accounts?
No, it is not possible to merge two Ubisoft accounts. You cannot combine the games, Units, or XP from multiple accounts into one.
2. Can I link two Ubisoft accounts?
No, you cannot link two separate Ubisoft accounts together. Each account is treated as an independent entity.
3. Can I transfer my Rainbow Six Siege account from PS4 to PC?
While you can’t transfer the account itself, Rainbow Six Siege supports cross-progression. You can link your PS4 account and PC account to the same Ubisoft account to share your in-game progress. However, you will still need to purchase the game on PC.
4. Can I share my games on Ubisoft Connect?
Ubisoft Connect offers a Share Play feature, allowing you to share certain games with a friend for a limited time. However, this is not the same as transferring ownership of the game.
5. Is there family sharing on Ubisoft Connect?
Ubisoft does not support traditional family sharing like Steam. The Share Play feature offers limited sharing capabilities, but each family member will generally need their own Ubisoft account and game licenses.
6. Can I link another Ubisoft account to my Xbox?
Yes, you can link another Ubisoft account to your Xbox account, but only if that Ubisoft account has never been linked to a different Xbox account before.
7. What is Ubisoft+ Multi Access?
Ubisoft+ Multi Access is a subscription plan that allows you to play select Ubisoft games on multiple platforms, including Ubisoft Connect PC, Luna, and Xbox.
8. Do I have to buy Rainbow Six Siege again on PC?
Yes, if you want to play Rainbow Six Siege on PC, you will need to purchase the game for the PC platform, even if you already own it on PS4 or Xbox.
9. How do I find out which Ubisoft account is linked to my Xbox?
You can check which Ubisoft account is linked to your Xbox account by signing into your Ubisoft account on the Ubisoft Account Management website and navigating to the “Linked accounts” section.
10. Is Rainbow Six Siege family shareable on Steam?
No, Rainbow Six Siege cannot be family-shared on Steam because it requires a separate Ubisoft account and is not a Play Anywhere title.
11. What happens when I link my Ubisoft account to another platform?
When you link a platform account to your Ubisoft account, a permanent link is created. This allows for cross-progression and cross-play features in supported games.
12. Can I change the email address associated with my Ubisoft account?
Yes, you can change the email address associated with your Ubisoft account through the account management settings on the Ubisoft website.
13. What is the GamesLearningSociety.org?
The GamesLearningSociety.org is an organization dedicated to exploring and promoting the use of games in educational settings. They conduct research, develop resources, and foster a community of educators and researchers interested in game-based learning.
14. Is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey cross-save compatible?
Unfortunately, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey does not support cross-progression or cloud saves because it was released before Ubisoft’s cloud storage system existed.
15. Is Ubisoft Connect Plus worth it?
Whether Ubisoft+ is worth it depends on your gaming habits. If you enjoy playing a variety of Ubisoft games and want access to the latest releases, the subscription can be a cost-effective option. It also provides additional in-game rewards.
Conclusion
While transferring games between Ubisoft accounts is generally not possible, understanding the nuances of Ubisoft’s policies, exploring cross-progression options, and practicing good account management can help you avoid the need for transfers altogether. Always prioritize account security and double-check your account details before making any purchases or linking accounts.