Introduction to Ubisoft’s Steam Strategy
Ubisoft’s recent decision to reintroduce its games on Steam marks a significant pivot in their distribution strategy. After years of exclusive offerings via the Epic Store, the publisher acknowledges the immense user base and potential sales on Steam. This shift is encapsulated by the addition of achievements for Watch Dogs 2, arriving nearly nine years post-launch, underscoring a peculiar urgency to reconnect with Steam’s community.
The Addition of Achievements to Watch Dogs 2
With the latest update, players can now earn achievements in Watch Dogs 2, including quirky ones like petting 10 dogs and taking photos of amusing in-game scenarios. For those who’ve previously met the requirements, these achievements unlock automatically, giving a sense of accomplishment even to seasoned players. Nonetheless, this move raises questions about the timing and strategy behind awarding achievements so long after the original release.
Ubisoft’s Future on Steam
While Ubisoft’s embrace of achievements for older titles, including Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, is commendable, it feels half-hearted. The persistent need to link a Ubisoft Connect account irks many gamers, who prefer a seamless experience on Steam alone. Although Ubisoft’s return to Steam is welcomed, the lingering dependency on their own platform hints that they may not fully relinquish control any time soon.
