Ubisoft Finally Dips Its Toes Into Launcher-Free Steam Releases
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Ubisoft is removing the mandatory Connect launcher requirement for its Steam games, starting with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and a new lightweight background tool.
For years, booting up a Ubisoft title on Steam meant dealing with the mandatory background theater of the Ubisoft Connect launcher. According to a recent report from Eurogamer, the publisher is finally changing course. Starting with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, players will no longer need the separate PC app running to get into the game.
Ubisoft is currently testing a new backend component called the Ubisoft Connect Services Steam Tool. This lightweight system manages necessary ecosystem features like cross-progression, cross-play, and in-game rewards quietly in the background without forcing the full desktop launcher onto your system. The publisher is calling this an initial step toward a smoother experience on Steam, with plans to roll the tool out to more titles over time.
This kind of dual launcher friction has long been a frustration for PC players who prefer to keep their libraries unified and lightweight through Steam. While other major publishers like EA have toyed with less intrusive background integration, Ubisoft moving away from a forced standalone launcher marks a meaningful shift in how massive publishers interact with storefront ecosystems. It is a practical quality of life upgrade that puts player convenience ahead of forced ecosystem lock-in.
Tags: PC Gaming, Steam, Ubisoft, Industry News
Original article: Eurogamer