Ubisoft Tests Steam Launches Without the Connect PC App
Ubisoft is working to drop the Ubisoft Connect PC launcher requirement for its Steam games. The company said it is testing a simpler launch process on Valve’s platform. Today, those games still open Connect each time a player starts a session.
In a Steam community post on Thursday, Ubisoft introduced Ubisoft Connect Services. The new Steam tool is meant to start a game and keep Ubisoft features available without opening the Connect launcher.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the first test title. With Ubisoft Connect Services, players should be able to launch that game and use features such as cross-progression, cross-play, player safety, challenges, and rewards. They would not need to install and start the Connect PC app first.
Ubisoft called this first version an early step toward a smoother Steam launch. The company said it will keep improving the service. The aim is to keep the features players expect, while making Steam play more seamless.
The tool is still in testing. A wider release date has not been set. Ubisoft said the feature should later reach more of its Steam games. It is not clear whether Epic Games Store titles on PC will get the same change.
Ubisoft Connect PC, formerly Uplay, is Ubisoft’s store and account platform for first-party games. Players can use it through a PC app or inside games on PC and consoles. An Ubisoft account still has to be linked to access those services.