Ubisoft Tests Launcher-Free Integration for Steam
Ubisoft is testing a new integration system called "Ubisoft Connect Services" that aims to eliminate the need for the standalone desktop launcher when playing its titles on Steam. The initiative begins with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, with plans to expand the feature to other games in the future.
For years, launching a Ubisoft game on Steam has required an extra step: installing and running the Ubisoft Connect desktop client in the background. Even if a title was purchased and launched directly through Steam, the additional launcher was mandatory for the game to function. This requirement has long been a source of frustration for PC players, who often cited the redundant software, extra login prompts, and potential for conflicts as unnecessary overhead.
With the new "Ubisoft Connect Services" tool, the company is testing a slimmer integration that handles the essential backend functions without requiring the full desktop application. According to Ubisoft, this new system will support key features such as cross-progression, crossplay, anti-cheat protection, challenges, and rewards. The Ubisoft Connect platform and user accounts will remain unchanged; only the redundant desktop client is being replaced by this more streamlined integration.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, released in 2024, is the first title to adopt this new approach on Steam. Ubisoft describes the move as an initial step toward a simpler and more integrated launch experience. While the company has not confirmed which other titles will receive the update, it has stated that it intends to roll out the service to more of its Steam games over time. This could be particularly relevant for major franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, or Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six, where the removal of the extra launcher would simplify the user experience for a large portion of the player base.
Ubisoft is not the only publisher that requires a secondary client for its Steam games, but its launcher is among the most widely encountered. The company has not yet clarified whether it plans to fully retire the traditional launcher for all Steam-distributed titles in the long term. For now, the change remains a test, but it signals a shift toward reducing the friction associated with launching Ubisoft games on third-party platforms.
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