Ubisoft tests removing Connect launcher requirement for Steam games

Ubisoft and Valve have begun testing a new system to eliminate the requirement for the standalone Ubisoft Connect PC launcher when playing Ubisoft titles through Steam. This initiative, called ‘Ubisoft Connect Services Steam’, is designed to provide a more streamlined and seamless launch experience for PC players.

The testing phase has officially launched with the game ‘Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown’. This new tool functions as a background service that maintains essential ecosystem features—including cross-progression, cross-play, player security, challenges, and rewards—without requiring the installation or manual opening of the full Ubisoft Connect client.

Ubisoft stated that this is an initial step and that the service will progressively evolve and be rolled out to a larger number of its titles on the Steam platform. The move addresses long-standing community criticism regarding the friction and resource consumption caused by mandatory secondary launchers.