Ubisoft introduces Ubisoft Connect - 5Ws

Much to the annoyance of my gamer mates, I love Ubisoft games. From their vast worlds, similar and simple characters and massive inventory of earnable skins, grindy games like 'The Division' and 'Ghost Recon; Breakpoint' have always had a special spot in my heart. I know they're glitchy, and lacking in story sometimes, but I can look past that thanks to the hours of enjoyment they have provided me.

I owe it to Ubisoft too. In high school, Assassins Creed showed me how video games could teach me while entertaining me. My knowledge of the Third Crusade is completely thanks to Ubisoft because god knows I didn't listen in history class. So, when I build my gaming PC at the beginning of this year, one of the first desktop apps I downloaded was UPlay - Ubisoft's version of Steam - and I fired up the old and original Assassin's Creed.

Commentary about the game itself aside, the desktop app Ubisoft have created is beautiful - and glitchy in good old Ubisoft fashion - However, it does lack something Steam does so well. Connection.

There is no incentive to be part of the Ubisoft world and much of their games become so much more when a social aspect is added. To my surprise, Ubisoft actually knew this and when I logged into UPlay this morning to play Ghost Recon; Breakpoint, I was greeted with the news of Ubisoft Connect.

Lets run through the 5W's of Ubisoft Connect to we can understand what it is.

What is it?;

Ubisoft Connect is replacing the Ubisoft Club and UPlay. "It aims at giving the best environment for all players to enjoy their games and connect with each other whatever the device." Rewards, points and leaderboards will flow from where ever you game to Ubisoft Connect, and your friends lists and stats will forever be linked to your account, no matter the platform - this is including cross-platform progression.

Who is it for?;

It seems while only for Ubisoft games, Ubisoft Connect's main call is the fact that it enables cross platform - so that's PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Mac, ect. It's made to be a unification of gaming no matter where the gamer games. "It is the unification and improvement of Ubisoft Club, our loyalty program, and Uplay, our Desktop App, across all platforms." So starting on PC and finishing on Xbox will become possible.

Short answer; It's for everyone no matter where they game.

When will it launch?;

October 27, 2020.

The transition from Ubisoft Club to Ubisoft Connect won't affect your account, and "You’ll keep your profile, friends, stats, your level, XP and units. A new loyalty system will be implemented but it will remain compatible with the previous system’s units and XP." For most to begin with, the only thing that changes is the name.

Where will Ubisoft Connect launch?;

All platforms and mobile devices using UPlay or Ubisoft Club from October 27, 2020 - yes this means an unavoidable update.

Why is Ubisoft doing this?;

This is a good but very subjective question and personally, I can't answer this. However I found a quote from Vice President of Online Services at Ubisoft, Stephanie Perotti who is more than qualified to say why;

“Next-generation gaming goes beyond technological improvements and better graphics. To us, as a creator and publisher, it is about bringing more fluidity and versatility to the experience, to have the freedom to play games on whatever device and with whoever you want. Ubisoft Connect is our take on a new seamless experience to not only ease the transition between generations and platforms, but also be the starting point for new services that further contribute to new, more player-centric ways of enjoying games."

And that's that. Personally I hated how divided the Ubisoft Club was to UPlay so this is great news. What are your thoughts? Do you think this is a great move by Ubisoft or will you miss the old way of doing things. Let me know.