Ubisoft is testing Ubisoft Connect Services on Steam to remove the need to launch Ubisoft Connect PC launcher for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, while preserving cross-progression, cross-play, safety, challenges, and rewards.

The initial test aims to deliver a smoother Steam launch experience and will be expanded to additional games over time.

Ubisoft plans to roll out Ubisoft Connect Services to more Ubisoft titles on Steam in the future, signaling a broader shift toward Steam-focused access.

This development sits within ongoing industry debates about launcher bloat, echoing PC Gamer’s prior evaluations of launchers in 2024.

Launchers are increasingly unpopular because they complicate access, may require publisher accounts and DRM, and can affect performance.

Evidence for the test comes from a Reddit screenshot and a Steam news snippet from early September, with official confirmation pending due to access issues to linked announcements.

Players are discussing prioritizing Assassin’s Creed next and whether other publishers’ clients might receive similar treatment in the future.

Enthusiasm is rising on social platforms for a launcher-free Steam experience, with fans hoping for a wider rollout.

Ubisoft has not confirmed which existing games will receive the change or whether older titles will be updated to remove the launcher requirement.

Efforts are underway to verify the information, including seeking official statements from Ubisoft.

If successful, this could pave the way for removing or integrating third-party launchers on Steam, with Rockstar Games Social Club noted as a remaining major launcher for some Rockstar titles.

The update notes that Ubisoft Connect can be finicky, and streamlining could especially benefit handheld PC users like Steam Deck and ROG Ally.