So Ubisoft is removing the most annoying feature.
The change will start with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, announced through a Steam news post visible to owners of the game.
"Starting with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, we are testing a new Ubisoft Connect Services Steam tool that keeps Ubisoft game features such as cross-progression, cross-play, player safety, challenges and rewards, among others, without requiring the Ubisoft Connect PC launcher to be installed or launched.
This first version is an initial step toward a smoother and more streamlined launch experience on Steam. We will continue to iterate and improve Ubisoft Connect Services over time, with the goal of delivering the features and services players use and expect while making the Steam experience as seamless as possible.
Ubisoft Connect Services will progressively evolve and roll out to more Ubisoft games on Steam in the future."
What actually changes
Ubisoft Connect isn't disappearing though. The services its games are being separated from the desktop launcher and delivered through a lighter Steam-integrated component that runs in the background.
There is a catch, you still need a Ubisoft account. Cross-progression, cross-play, rewards, challenges and safety features all still require connectivity. What goes is the second application sitting between you and the game.
Why people care
In January, users reported the games was "completely unplayable because ubisoft connect services are down," with offline functionality broken too. One response: "Finally had a night free to play again and can't play the game I bought because an unnecessary launcher can't communicate with an unnecessary external service."
Steam Deck owners have had their own version, with players unable to launch away from internet, and one user losing saves entirely after switching Decks because Connect's cloud saves stored progress in a different location to the local files.
What's next
Ubisoft hasn't named which games follow. Assassin's Creed is the title most people are asking for.
More:Rockstar Puts NoPixel on Its Own Launcher From 8 September
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