Ubisoft, a dominant force in the gaming industry, has undergone several transformations in its approach to online portals and services. From Uplay to Ubisoft Game Launcher, and now to Ubisoft+ Premium and Ubisoft+ Classics, the company’s strategy seems to be evolving rapidly. The recent rebranding and introduction of a PC version of the “Classics” tier at a lower price mark a significant shift in Ubisoft’s business model.

Ubisoft’s Subscription Services: A Growing Trend

According to Philippe Tremblay, Ubisoft’s director of subscriptions, in an interview with GI.biz, the company witnessed its biggest month in October 2023 for its subscription service. The service reportedly has millions of subscribers and has logged over half a billion hours played. This surge in subscription numbers could partly be attributed to Ubisoft’s strategy of releasing games exclusively on its platforms, pushing PC players towards its services.

The Price of Exclusivity

With a monthly subscription cost of $17.99, Ubisoft+ isn’t the cheapest option on the market. This price point raises questions about the appeal of subscribing to a single publisher’s output, especially when broader services like Game Pass or PlayStation Plus offer a more diverse range of games from various publishers.

The Shift from Ownership to Access

Tremblay discusses a “consumer shift” in the gaming industry, akin to the transition from CDs and DVDs to streaming services like Spotify and Netflix. He emphasizes the need for gamers to become comfortable with not owning their games. This paradigm shift focuses on access over ownership, ensuring progress and engagement in games are retained without the need for physical or digital copies.

The Risks of Subscription-Based Gaming

However, the subscription model is not without its risks. The longevity of access to games is uncertain, as seen in the disappearance of titles over time. For example, Ubisoft’s classic game ‘In Memorium’ (Missing: Since January in the U.S.) is no longer available on its Classics range. This raises concerns about the future availability of current Ubisoft games.

The Future of Ubisoft’s Streaming Service

Despite these concerns, Ubisoft plans to expand its service, including streaming access to Activision Blizzard’s games. However, the relevance of this move is questioned given Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the availability of these games on Game Pass.

The Value Proposition for Ubisoft Fans

For avid fans of Ubisoft’s games, the subscription service offers a cost-effective way to access titles like ‘Skull & Bones,’ ‘Avatar,’ ‘Assassin’s Creed Mirage,’ and more. Yet, the ephemeral nature of subscription services means that continued access depends on ongoing payments, with the uncertainty of future availability.

Final Thoughts

Ubisoft’s push towards a subscription-based model reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, where access is prioritized over ownership. While this approach offers benefits in terms of cost and convenience, it also poses challenges related to game preservation and consumer rights. As the industry continues to evolve, the balance between providing value to gamers and maintaining sustainable business models remains a critical area for exploration and discussion.

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