Ubisoft has long been known for experimenting with various digital platforms and DRM systems, but recent moves suggest a notable shift in direction. With the increasing integration of Steamworks into its titles and a gradual distancing from its proprietary Ubisoft Connect requirements, many gamers have taken notice. The phrase Ubisoft Goes Steamworks Bye Bye captures the sentiment of a change that’s quietly reshaping the way Ubisoft interacts with one of the biggest PC gaming storefronts in the world: Steam. Whether you’re a long-time Ubisoft fan or a digital rights advocate, this shift could have lasting implications for both developers and players alike.
The History of Ubisoft and Steam
Ubisoft’s relationship with Steam has been complicated over the years. In the early 2010s, Ubisoft titles were frequently released on Steam but still required an additional layer of authentication via Uplay, the company’s proprietary client. This setup often led to complaints about double-launchers, performance issues, and unnecessary redundancy. In 2019, Ubisoft took a bold step and stopped releasing new titles on Steam, instead favoring platforms like the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect for digital distribution.
This decision wasn’t received well by a portion of the PC community. Many players expressed frustration over fragmented libraries and having to juggle multiple launchers. Despite the backlash, Ubisoft stood by its strategy, citing better revenue shares and a more direct relationship with their user base as key reasons.
What Is Steamworks?
Steamworks is Valve’s suite of development and publishing tools for games released on the Steam platform. It includes features such as Steam Cloud, Achievements, Workshop support, and multiplayer integration through Steam servers. When a game is fully integrated with Steamworks, it typically offers a smoother, native experience for Steam users without the need for third-party clients.
The Shift Toward Steamworks Integration
Recently, Ubisoft has been re-releasing or updating some of its older and even newer games on Steam with full Steamworks integration. This means the games no longer require Ubisoft Connect to launch or authenticate. For example, titles like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Far Cry 3 have seen updates that remove double-launching and offer a more streamlined Steam experience. Although not every title has undergone this change, the trend is growing.
Why the Shift Happened
- User Feedback: Players consistently criticized the dual-launcher system and expressed a desire for simpler access to their games.
- Steam’s Continued Dominance: Despite attempts by other platforms to compete, Steam remains the largest and most widely used storefront on PC.
- Reputation Management: Ubisoft has had its share of controversies, and improving player goodwill may be part of a broader PR move.
- Monetization of Legacy Titles: By updating and re-releasing older games on Steam with better integration, Ubisoft can resell these titles to a receptive audience.
Impact on the Ubisoft Ecosystem
This shift doesn’t necessarily mean the complete removal of Ubisoft Connect. Many new Ubisoft games still include some level of integration with the platform, especially for cross-progression and rewards. However, the move toward full Steamworks support for select games suggests a willingness to let go of mandatory client authentication in certain cases.
There’s also a notable benefit for modders and content creators. Steam Workshop integration makes sharing mods and custom content much easier, something that was limited or absent when games were locked into Ubisoft’s ecosystem.
Games That Have Benefited from the Change
- Far Cry 3: Now launches directly through Steam without needing Ubisoft Connect.
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag: Improved performance and faster boot times through native Steam launching.
- Watch Dogs: Steam version patched to improve offline play and reduce launcher conflicts.
These examples point to a growing list of Ubisoft titles that are shedding DRM layers and embracing a more consumer-friendly approach.
What This Means for Steam Users
For gamers who prefer having their titles all in one place, the integration of Steamworks into Ubisoft titles is a welcome development. No more waiting for multiple clients to open, no more additional logins, and no more syncing issues. This simplification results in:
- Faster game launching times
- Improved offline play capabilities
- Less dependency on Ubisoft servers
- Reduced memory usage due to fewer background applications
It also opens the door for a resurgence in popularity for older Ubisoft games. With fewer technical barriers, new players might be more willing to give them a try especially during Steam sales and promotional bundles.
Industry Implications
Ubisoft’s partial return to Steamworks may reflect a broader industry trend. Many publishers experimented with creating their own launchers in the hopes of replicating Steam’s success, but the results have been mixed. Gamers prioritize convenience, and fragmented platforms often lead to fatigue. This realization is pushing developers back toward centralization, especially when it benefits the user experience.
Other companies may follow suit. If Ubisoft continues to see positive feedback and increased sales, it will serve as a case study in why listening to your player base pays off. This could influence how digital distribution evolves over the next few years.
Will Ubisoft Fully Abandon Its Launcher?
At this stage, it’s unlikely that Ubisoft will completely abandon Ubisoft Connect. The platform still serves specific purposes, especially in multiplayer games and titles with cross-platform features. However, we may see a future where Ubisoft Connect becomes less intrusive, or acts more like a background layer than a full client requirement.
Ubisoft may also continue offering optional account linking for players who want cross-progression or access to loyalty rewards, without forcing the platform as a required launcher for single-player experiences. This hybrid approach balances user freedom with Ubisoft’s ecosystem goals.
Community Reactions and Feedback
Player sentiment around this move has been largely positive. Discussions on forums and Reddit often highlight how much smoother older games now run with Steamworks integration. Some users even report fewer crashes and fewer connection errors compared to previous versions that required Ubisoft Connect.
There’s also renewed interest in long-forgotten titles, with some players revisiting games they previously abandoned due to launcher frustrations. In many ways, this shift feels like a step toward making digital gaming more accessible again removing roadblocks that were never necessary to begin with.
The phrase Ubisoft Goes Steamworks Bye Bye symbolizes more than just a meme-worthy statement. It represents a tangible change in how a major publisher is approaching PC distribution, one that values user experience and convenience. While Ubisoft Connect may still have a role to play, its dominance is clearly being reconsidered. As more titles transition to native Steamworks integration, players can look forward to fewer launchers, cleaner installs, and a more seamless gaming experience. For many in the PC community, that’s a big win worth celebrating.