The Great Ubisoft-Steam Tango: Why the Dance, and Why the Return?
For years, the question lingered in the minds of PC gamers: Why are Ubisoft games not on Steam? The answer is multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of economics, strategic partnerships, and a shifting landscape in the PC gaming distribution market. Initially, Ubisoft’s decision to bypass Steam stemmed primarily from financial considerations and a desire for greater control over their ecosystem. The allure of a more favorable revenue split with Epic Games, coupled with bolstering their own Ubisoft Connect platform, proved too strong to resist. Now, however, Ubisoft has started bringing their games back to Steam. So what changed?
The Epic Games Store’s Enticement
In 2019, the Epic Games Store (EGS) emerged as a serious contender in the PC gaming distribution arena. Their strategy was simple yet effective: lure developers and publishers with a significantly more attractive revenue split. Valve’s Steam, the undisputed king of PC gaming distribution, traditionally takes a 30% cut of revenue, leaving 70% for the developer. Epic, on the other hand, offered a mere 12% cut, allowing developers to retain a much larger share of their earnings.
This proposition was especially appealing to a large publisher like Ubisoft. By launching games exclusively on EGS and their own Ubisoft Connect, they could drastically increase their profit margins. This was explicitly stated by a Ubisoft spokesperson, who emphasized the long-term benefits for both large and indie publishers.
Building Ubisoft Connect: A Platform of Their Own
Beyond the financial incentives offered by Epic, Ubisoft also had a vested interest in strengthening their own digital distribution platform, Ubisoft Connect. Having their own storefront allowed Ubisoft to cultivate a direct relationship with their customers, collect valuable data, and avoid the fees associated with third-party platforms.
Ubisoft Connect also provides a centralized ecosystem for Ubisoft’s games, offering features like cross-progression, social connectivity, and exclusive rewards. By pushing players towards Ubisoft Connect, they aimed to create a loyal user base within their own ecosystem.
The Return to Steam: A Change of Tune?
While the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect exclusivity strategy seemed firm for several years, things have begun to shift. In 2023, Ubisoft began releasing some of their newer titles on Steam again, including Far Cry 6, Riders Republic, Rainbow Six Extraction, and Monopoly Madness. More recently, they have also released Assassin’s Creed Valhalla on Steam. Why the change of heart?
Several factors likely contributed to this decision. Firstly, the initial exclusivity agreements with Epic Games may have expired. Secondly, Ubisoft may have realized that limiting their games to only two platforms was hindering sales. Steam remains the largest PC gaming platform by a significant margin, and excluding it meant missing out on a huge potential audience.
Another possible factor is the success of the Steam Deck. This handheld gaming device has proven popular with PC gamers, and having Ubisoft games available on Steam makes them easily accessible to Steam Deck users. Ubisoft’s spokesperson also alluded to “constantly evaluating how to bring our games to different audiences wherever they are,” which supports this theory.
Ultimately, Ubisoft’s return to Steam is likely a pragmatic business decision. While the financial incentives of Epic’s model were initially attractive, Ubisoft seems to have recognized the importance of reaching the widest possible audience on Steam. Now more people than ever can play their favorite Ubisoft games through their favorite storefronts.
What Does the Future Hold?
It remains to be seen whether Ubisoft will continue to release all of their future games on Steam. It’s possible that they will adopt a more flexible approach, launching some titles exclusively on EGS and Ubisoft Connect while releasing others simultaneously on Steam.
Regardless, the Ubisoft-Steam saga highlights the dynamic nature of the PC gaming distribution landscape. As new platforms emerge and market conditions evolve, publishers must constantly adapt their strategies to maximize reach and profitability.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Ubisoft’s distribution strategy and its relationship with Steam:
1. Why did Ubisoft initially remove their games from Steam?
The primary reasons were to take advantage of the more favorable revenue split offered by the Epic Games Store (12% vs. Steam’s 30%) and to promote their own Ubisoft Connect platform.
2. What is Ubisoft Connect?
Ubisoft Connect is Ubisoft’s own digital distribution and social platform. It allows players to buy and play Ubisoft games, connect with friends, earn rewards, and track their progress.
3. Which Ubisoft games were initially exclusive to the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect?
Some of the notable titles included Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Far Cry 6, and Immortals Fenyx Rising.
4. Are all Ubisoft games now available on Steam?
No, not all Ubisoft games are currently available on Steam. Some titles remain exclusive to the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect, but many of their recent releases have come back to Steam.
5. What Ubisoft games have returned to Steam?
As of late 2023, Far Cry 6, Riders Republic, Rainbow Six Extraction, Monopoly Madness, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla have all been released on Steam.
6. Will future Ubisoft games be released on Steam?
It’s unclear whether all future Ubisoft games will be released on Steam. Ubisoft may adopt a flexible approach, releasing some titles exclusively on EGS and Ubisoft Connect while releasing others on Steam.
7. Does cross-progression work between Ubisoft Connect, Epic Games Store, and Steam?
Yes, many Ubisoft games support cross-progression between different platforms. This means you can transfer your progress between Ubisoft Connect, Epic Games Store, and Steam.
8. Why is Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag unavailable on Steam?
Ubisoft has stated that the reason Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag can’t be bought on Steam is due to a “technical issue.”
9. Is Ubisoft struggling as a company?
Ubisoft has faced challenges in recent years, including allegations of workplace misconduct, creative direction issues, and a perceived lack of innovation in their game design.
10. Could Ubisoft be acquired by another company?
There has been speculation about a potential acquisition of Ubisoft, with companies like Tencent showing interest in their portfolio.
11. Why did Far Cry 6 receive mixed reviews?
While Far Cry 6 offered a visually impressive open world and engaging characters, some critics felt that it relied too heavily on familiar gameplay mechanics and lacked innovation.
12. What games has Ubisoft canceled recently?
Some of the canceled Ubisoft games include Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Frontline, Splinter Cell VR, and Project Q.
13. Is Steam going to be shut down?
No, there is no indication that Steam will be shut down. It remains the largest and most popular PC gaming platform and continues to grow.
14. Are Ubisoft games being removed from players’ libraries?
Ubisoft has clarified that they will not delete games that players have purchased or remove their digital access to them.
15. What is the revenue split for game developers on Steam?
Steam’s standard revenue split is 30% for Valve and 70% for the developer. This split can change based on sales volume; the more a game sells, the lower the revenue split becomes for Valve.