Ubisoft removes mandatory Connect launcher for Steam games
A new background tool allows players to bypass the dual-launcher experience while keeping cross-progression features.
Ubisoft is testing a new integration for its Steam titles that eliminates the requirement for players to install or launch the Ubisoft Connect PC client. The move aims to streamline the startup process for PC gamers who have long criticized the company's restrictive launcher requirements.
The initiative debuted with an update to Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, making it the first title to implement the removal of the mandatory launcher on Steam. To maintain essential functionality, Ubisoft introduced the "Ubisoft Connect Services Steam Tool," which handles rewards, cross-play, and cross-progression in the background. According to a Steam post from Ubisoft, this first version represents an "initial step toward a smoother and more streamlined launch experience on Steam."
The end of the dual-launcher era
For years, Ubisoft games purchased via Steam operated under a "dual-launcher" system. In this setup, Steam would trigger the Ubisoft Connect client (formerly known as Uplay), which would then authenticate the user and launch the game. This architecture was widely panned by the PC gaming community for adding unnecessary software bloat, increasing initial load times, and introducing additional points of failure during the login sequence.
Reducing friction for PC gamers
This shift toward a more Steam-native experience signals a strategic move to reduce user friction. By migrating launcher dependencies to invisible background services, Ubisoft aligns itself with other major publishers who have moved away from intrusive client requirements. The change directly addresses "launcher fatigue," a persistent grievance among modern PC gamers who manage multiple libraries and accounts across various digital storefronts.
Future rollout
While the current implementation is limited to Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, the introduction of the Connect Services tool provides a framework for Ubisoft to potentially expand this streamlined experience to other titles in its catalog. It remains to be seen if this will become the standard for all future Ubisoft releases on Steam or if the company will maintain the traditional launcher for specific legacy titles.