Ubisoft, a major video game publisher, has started testing a new tool called **Ubisoft Connect Services**, which is being distributed directly through **Steam**, the popular PC gaming platform. This new approach aims to simplify the gaming experience by eliminating the need for players to install and run the full **Ubisoft Connect** launcher, which previously handled many online features. The test is currently limited to one game: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, released in 2024. Ubisoft has stated that it plans to roll out this system to more of its games in the future. The new tool includes all the core features of the Ubisoft Connect platform, such as cross-progression (allowing players to sync their game progress across different devices), cross-play (letting players compete with others on different platforms), challenges, rewards, and security tools. These functions now operate seamlessly without the need to open the full launcher. However, a Ubisoft account is still required to access these features, including cross-play and online save data. On consoles, this system already functions in the background without requiring players to launch any additional software. The change reflects a growing player demand for simpler, more streamlined gaming experiences. For years, players have criticized the need to manage multiple separate launchers for different platforms or publishers. On **SteamDB**, a site that tracks game components and updates, the new Ubisoft Connect Services tool is already listed as a distinct part of the Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown installation. This shift is also part of a broader trend in the gaming industry, with platforms like the **Epic Games Store**, traditionally limited to Windows, now expanding to **Linux**, a popular open-source operating system. Ubisoft maintains control over its ecosystem, ensuring that the Ubisoft Connect account remains the central hub for players. The company also continues to validate game licenses through its system, even when games are purchased on Steam. While this move streamlines the experience for players, it also reinforces Ubisoft’s role as the gatekeeper of its online services, ensuring consistency across different platforms and devices.