Ubisoft is testing a massive change that PC gamers have requested for over a decade: removing the requirement to launch the heavy Ubisoft Connect client when booting up games on Steam. The trial is currently live with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.
What Changes for Steam Players
- The Old Method: Buying a Ubisoft title on Steam required installing, updating, and running the full Ubisoft Connect client in the background. This caused longer boot times, login errors, and sync issues.
- The New Method: Hitting “Play” in Steam launches the game directly without loading the full launcher application.
How Backend Features Will Work
Instead of forcing the complete client on your system, Ubisoft is utilizing a lightweight background framework called Ubisoft Connect Services. This invisible tool handles essential features without taking up system resources:
- Cross-progression: Cloud saves stay synced across platforms.
- Cross-play: Online multiplayer compatibility remains intact.
- Ubisoft Rewards: In-game achievements and challenges continue to track.
Note: You still need to link your Ubisoft account to your Steam account once during the initial setup, but you will no longer need the full desktop app installed.
Why This Is a Game-Changer
Beyond faster boot times, this update is a massive win for Steam Deck and Linux users. The external launcher was a primary cause of compatibility breaks and setup friction on handheld devices.
Ubisoft is rolling this out as an initial test, with plans to optimize the integration and expand it across their broader Steam catalog over time.
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