Ubisoft is preparing to remove the need to open the separate Ubisoft Connect launcher in some games purchased through Steam. The company is first testing the new approach with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. The game will still benefit from Ubisoft’s online services, but the user will not expect a second application to open on the desktop.
The new system uses a lighter component called “Ubisoft Connect Services” that runs within Steam. This component handles account verification, cross-platform features, achievements, rewards and security functions in the background. Thus, while the game maintains its connection with the Ubisoft infrastructure, the classic Connect window does not appear before the user.
Citing the first details of the change, Windows Central states that Ubisoft launched the system as a limited test. For this reason, we should not think that all Ubisoft games will change at the same time. The company may extend support to more games after evaluating the results.
Steam users have been complaining about second launchers from publishers like Ubisoft, EA, and Rockstar for years. Additional apps introduce a login step, request updates, and sometimes cause connection issues that prevent the game from launching. Ubisoft’s new solution alleviates the most visible part of these problems while maintaining the background connection required for online services.
What features does the Steam Ubisoft Connect change retain?
Ubisoft will continue to offer cross-progression and cross-play support with the Connect infrastructure. In addition, account security, friends list, challenges and Ubisoft rewards will also work through the service component. In other words, the company isn’t shutting down Connect entirely; It makes the user interface more invisible by removing it from the game launch process.
However, it is unclear whether the system will be applied to old Ubisoft games. Some titles rely on certain versions of Connect or legacy DRM components. Technical conversion in these games may require more work. Ubisoft Connect’s existing desktop app will also continue to be available for non-Steam purchases and the company’s own store.
On the user side, account connection still remains important. When the Steam account is paired with the wrong Ubisoft account, save files and additional purchased content may not appear in the expected profile. The new service tier will reduce the number of windows, but will not eliminate account verification on initial setup. Checking the link information on Ubisoft’s support page before opening the game can reduce potential confusion.
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