Recently, a code leaked to the network that indicates that Ubisoft is likely preparing Steam versions of games that have not previously been released on the service. This is another hint that after a 3-year hiatus, the company is considering returning to the largest PC games store.
Since 2019, Ubisoft has only released PC games through its own Ubisoft Connect service and the Epic Games Store. Then the company called “unrealistic” Steam commission of 30% of all sales. Since then, Valve has adjusted its rules and takes a commission of 20% from successful releases on Steam. But in any case, this is more than Epic receives from partners – 12%.
Ubisoft’s last major game released on Steam was 2019’s Far Cry: New Dawn. Since then, the company has released games such as Valhalla, Far Cry 6, Rainbow Six Extraction, Watch Dogs: Legion, Anno 1800, Ghost Recon Breakpoint, and The Division 2 on other platforms.
Last year, there were several signs that Ubisoft was ready to return to Steam. In July, Ubisoft’s CEO said the company could resume releasing games for the Valve client if the Steam Deck console is successful. Valve’s handheld is doing well, but it’s unclear exactly how much success Ubisoft expects. In November, a code appeared on SteamDB with a link to Ubisoft Connect, suggesting that Ubisoft could release games on Steam that connect to its launcher.
Ubisoft’s desire to return to Steam seems quite logical. For example, the return of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II to Steam after a five-year absence contributed to the franchise’s biggest launch this year. An additional sales channel for games would be highly desirable as the company prepares for a recession .
If Ubisoft starts selling its games on Steam again, it could also transfer its Ubisoft+ subscription to that platform, just like EA did with EA Play . Valve is also keen to have Microsoft add Game Pass to Steam.
Source: techspot