Why Isn’t Anno on Steam? Unraveling the Strategy Behind Distribution
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 story of the Anno series’ presence, or lack thereof, on Steam is a tale of evolving business strategies, platform exclusives, and the changing landscape of PC game distribution. The core reason Anno titles, particularly Anno 1800, have had a fluctuating presence on Steam boils down to Ubisoft’s strategic decisions regarding platform exclusivity, specifically in relation to the Epic Games Store (EGS) and their own Ubisoft Connect platform.
Initially, Anno 1800 was available for pre-purchase on Steam. However, shortly before its official release in April 2019, Ubisoft announced it would be removing the game from Steam, making it exclusive to the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect. This decision was driven by a desire to leverage the more favorable revenue split offered by Epic Games and to promote the use of their own platform.
The perceived “bribe” mentioned in your provided article, while a common sentiment among gamers, is an oversimplification. It’s more accurately described as a business agreement where Epic Games paid Ubisoft for a period of exclusivity, thus incentivizing Ubisoft to prioritize their store. This is a common practice in the industry, similar to console exclusives.
However, the saga doesn’t end there. In late 2022, Ubisoft began bringing some of their games back to Steam, including Anno 1800. This reversal indicates a shift in strategy, likely influenced by a desire to reach a broader audience and the realization that relying solely on EGS and Ubisoft Connect limited their potential sales. While the exact financial terms of these agreements remain confidential, it is evident that Ubisoft reevaluated the benefits of being present on Steam, a platform with a massive and established user base.
The key takeaways are:
- Initial Exclusivity Deal: Ubisoft entered into an agreement with Epic Games for temporary exclusivity.
- Revenue Split: EGS offered a more attractive revenue split compared to Steam.
- Platform Promotion: Ubisoft aimed to bolster its own Ubisoft Connect platform.
- Return to Steam: Ubisoft recognized the importance of Steam’s vast user base and resumed releasing some games there.
- Evolving Strategy: The decisions reflect the dynamic nature of the PC gaming market and the need to adapt to changing trends.
This dance between platforms highlights the power dynamics in the PC gaming industry. Publishers like Ubisoft constantly weigh the benefits of exclusivity deals, revenue splits, and platform promotion against the potential loss of sales from limiting their games to a smaller audience. The case of Anno 1800 serves as a prime example of how these factors influence the availability of games on different platforms. Games like Anno are important for research, such as the work conducted at the Games Learning Society, because they encourage critical thinking, strategic planning and resource management in players. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why was Anno 1800 initially removed from Steam?
Anno 1800 was removed from Steam due to a publisher decision by Ubisoft to make the game exclusive to the Epic Games Store and their own Ubisoft Connect platform. This was influenced by a business agreement with Epic Games and the desire for a more favorable revenue split.
Will Anno 1800 come back to Steam?
Yes, Anno 1800 has returned to Steam. It was reinstated on the platform in December 2022.
Why did Ubisoft stop using Steam initially?
Ubisoft stated that it was a business decision to focus on the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect. They believed that Epic’s third-party distribution model was beneficial for both large and indie publishers.
Why won’t Anno 1800 launch on Steam?
If you’re experiencing issues launching Anno 1800 on Steam, ensure you’re running the game with administrator rights, have verified the game files, have your graphics drivers and Windows fully updated, and have temporarily deactivated all background programs.
Why did I lose Anno 1800 progress?
Losing progress in Anno 1800 is typically related to lack of coins or an unstable economy. Managing your resources effectively is crucial to maintaining your game.
Why can’t I play Anno 1800 through Epic?
If you’re unable to start the game through the Epic Games launcher, make sure that Ubisoft Connect is fully updated and try relaunching the game through Epic again. You might also want to consult Epic Games’ troubleshooting guide.
Will Ubisoft bring their games back to Steam?
Yes, Ubisoft has returned to Steam. They began releasing games on Steam in late 2022 after a three-year absence.
What happens if I buy a Ubisoft game on Steam?
If you purchase a Ubisoft game on Steam, launching it will automatically open Ubisoft Connect PC. You’ll need to link your Ubisoft account to your Steam account.
What happened to Anno Online?
Anno Online was closed on January 31, 2018. It had been in “maintenance mode” since September 2017, meaning there were no further developments or major in-game events.
Is Anno 1800 better than 2070?
Many fans consider Anno 1800 to be more complex and have more content than Anno 2070, making it the best Anno game overall, even if some still prefer Anno 2070.
Can I move Anno 1800 from Ubisoft Connect to Steam?
No, you cannot move Anno 1800 from Ubisoft Connect to Steam. You would need to repurchase the game via the Steam Store.
Is Ubisoft removing games from Steam permanently?
Ubisoft has clarified that players who have purchased affected titles will not lose access to those games. However, they may delist certain older titles due to various factors.
Has Anno 1800 ever been free?
Yes, Anno 1800 has been offered for free during promotional periods. For example, it was free to play between March 16 and March 23, 2023.
Why did Ubisoft return to Steam?
Ubisoft stated that they are constantly evaluating how to bring their games to different audiences, while providing a consistent player ecosystem through Ubisoft Connect.
Why is Assassin’s Creed Mirage not on Steam?
Assassin’s Creed Mirage was not released on Steam due to Ubisoft’s continued partnership with Epic Games. This partnership resulted in the game being exclusive to the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect.