Why Wasn’t Far Cry 6 Initially on Steam? A Deep Dive into Exclusivity and PC Gaming
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of “Why isn’t Far Cry 6 on Steam?” plagued many PC gamers at its launch. The simple answer is exclusivity. At its initial release, Far Cry 6 was subject to a time-exclusive distribution agreement with the Epic Games Store (EGS) and was, of course, available through Ubisoft’s own Uplay (now Ubisoft Connect) platform. This strategic move, common in the gaming industry, aimed to leverage the incentives and market reach offered by the EGS while simultaneously boosting adoption of Ubisoft’s own launcher.
The Business Behind Exclusivity
The decision for Ubisoft to bypass Steam at launch wasn’t a capricious one; it was a calculated business decision. Exclusivity deals often involve significant financial incentives for the publisher. In the case of the Epic Games Store, these incentives often include a more favorable revenue split compared to Steam. Traditionally, Steam takes a 30% cut of game sales, a figure that Epic has challenged with its 12% cut. This difference can translate to millions of dollars in increased revenue for publishers of major titles like Far Cry 6.
Furthermore, exclusivity agreements can be used to drive users to a specific platform. Epic Games was actively trying to build its user base and library, and securing a high-profile title like Far Cry 6 was a key strategy. Similarly, Ubisoft had its own ambitions to strengthen Ubisoft Connect as a direct-to-consumer platform, offering them greater control over the player experience and a direct relationship with their customers. Bypassing Steam served to funnel players toward these alternative platforms, giving them wider visibility.
Steam’s Dominance and the Shifting Landscape
Steam has long been the dominant force in PC game distribution. Its vast library, robust community features, and established user base make it a natural choice for many gamers. However, its dominance also makes it a target for disruption. The Epic Games Store entered the market with the express purpose of challenging Steam’s hegemony, and exclusivity deals were a crucial weapon in their arsenal.
Ubisoft’s decision reflects a wider trend in the gaming industry: publishers are increasingly seeking greater control over their distribution and revenue. This has led to the rise of company-specific launchers and storefronts like Ubisoft Connect, EA Origin (now EA App), and the aforementioned Epic Games Store. While these platforms offer potential benefits for publishers, they also fragment the PC gaming landscape, potentially causing frustration for players who prefer the convenience of a single, centralized library.
The Eventual Arrival on Steam
Despite the initial exclusivity arrangement, Far Cry 6 eventually made its way to Steam on May 11, 2023. This marked the end of the exclusivity period and allowed Steam users to finally purchase and play the game directly through their preferred platform. Ubisoft, like many publishers, recognized the value of reaching Steam’s enormous user base. The initial exclusivity window served its purpose in boosting EGS and Ubisoft Connect adoption, and now, the game could benefit from the broader exposure and convenience that Steam offers.
This strategic timing aligns with typical game release patterns. Publishers often use exclusivity deals to generate initial sales and then broaden distribution to maximize long-term revenue. By releasing on Steam after the initial hype had subsided, Ubisoft could tap into a new segment of the market and extend the game’s lifespan.
FAQs: Your Far Cry 6 on Steam Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Far Cry 6 and its availability on Steam:
1. Is Far Cry 6 available on Steam now?
Yes, Far Cry 6 is available on Steam as of May 11, 2023.
2. Why was Far Cry 6 initially exclusive to the Epic Games Store?
It was a business decision by Ubisoft to leverage the financial incentives and promotional opportunities offered by the Epic Games Store.
3. Does purchasing Far Cry 6 on Steam automatically link to Ubisoft Connect?
Yes, if you purchase Far Cry 6 on Steam, it will still require you to link your Steam account to your Ubisoft Connect account in order to play the game.
4. Will I get Steam Achievements if I buy Far Cry 6 on Steam?
Yes, purchasing Far Cry 6 on Steam will grant you access to Steam Achievements.
5. Is there cross-progression between the Epic Games Store and Steam versions of Far Cry 6?
Yes, Far Cry 6 supports cross-progression between all platforms, including Epic Games Store, Steam, and consoles.
6. Was Far Cry 6 ever free on the Epic Games Store?
Yes, Ubisoft has occasionally offered free trials and limited-time free-to-play periods for Far Cry 6 on the Epic Games Store.
7. What are the system requirements for Far Cry 6 on Steam?
The system requirements are substantial, especially if you want to enable the HD Texture Pack, requiring a large amount of VRAM (Video RAM). Check the Steam page for the exact specifications.
8. Is Far Cry 6 worth buying on Steam in 2024?
Whether Far Cry 6 is worth buying is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. Many players enjoy its open-world gameplay, vibrant setting, and compelling story. Reading reviews and watching gameplay videos can help you make an informed decision.
9. Can I transfer my Far Cry 6 save data from Ubisoft Connect to Steam?
Given the cross-progression support, your save data should be accessible on Steam if you’ve linked your Ubisoft Connect account.
10. What other Ubisoft games are available on Steam?
Ubisoft has returned to releasing games on Steam, including titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Check the Steam store for the current list of available Ubisoft games.
11. Did Ubisoft remove games from Steam?
Ubisoft did remove some older titles from Steam, but they clarified that players who had already purchased those games would retain access to them.
12. How large is the Far Cry 6 download on Steam?
The storage requirement for Far Cry 6 is substantial, around 170 GB.
13. What is the difference between Far Cry 6 and Far Cry 5?
Far Cry 6 introduces a new setting (Yara), a new protagonist, and various gameplay tweaks and improvements. Many players consider the story progression and setting of Far Cry 6 to be improvements over Far Cry 5.
14. Is Far Cry 7 coming to Steam?
While there is no official confirmation, it is likely that Far Cry 7 (Project Blackbird) will eventually be released on Steam after a possible exclusivity period on other platforms.
15. Where can I learn more about the impact of game distribution strategies?
To understand the broader implications of game distribution strategies and their effect on learning and engagement, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization researches how games can be used in educational settings.
The Future of Game Distribution
The story of Far Cry 6’s journey to Steam highlights the complex and evolving landscape of PC game distribution. Exclusivity deals, platform competition, and the rise of publisher-specific launchers are all factors that shape where and how we play our favorite games. While this can sometimes lead to inconvenience for players, it also drives innovation and competition, ultimately benefiting the gaming industry as a whole. As we move forward, it’s likely that we’ll continue to see a mix of distribution models, with publishers balancing the benefits of exclusivity with the reach and convenience of established platforms like Steam.