2024 is shaping up to be a crucial year for game developers, especially Ubisoft. As it gears up to release Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Ubisoft has also taken steps to revamp its subscription service, Ubisoft+, with the idea of getting players to let go of game ownership.
You will now get to choose between two subscription models: Ubisoft+ Premium or Ubisoft+ Classics. Ubisoft+ Classics, the more wallet-friendly option, offers access to a library of “popular back-catalog and live games” for $7.99 a month. Previously only available to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers, the affordable tier will now be available to PC players too.
Those who prefer a more expansive option can opt for Ubisoft+ Premium, that is, if they can afford the $17.99 a month subscription fee. For this, players get to enjoy day-one releases, early access to titles like the upcoming Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and an array of premium editions complete with all the DLC and expansions.
While some might view Ubisoft+ Premium’s subscription fee as somewhat overpriced, Ubisoft’s Director of Services, Philippe Tremblay, assured fans (via GamesIndustry.biz) that it was totally worth it, quoting the availability of titles like Avatar and Assassin’s Creed: Mirage in this package.
Of course, most gamers will be looking forward to the addition of Activision Blizzard titles now that Ubisoft has the cloud streaming rights to all Activision Blizzard games for the next 15 years. However, Tremblay didn’t reveal much about this, simply stating, “We are actively working on this part. There’s more to come. Our players are definitely excited about this.”
Ubisoft’s rebranding and restructuring of its subscription service is based on the hope for a shift in consumer behavior together with the industry’s trajectory towards digital and subscription-based models. It’s a move that’s been in the making for a while, and with “millions” of subscribers over the past four years, it seems Ubisoft is ready to say goodbye to physical copies and hello to cloud-based gaming experiences.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the poster child for this new era. Available now on Ubisoft+ Premium before its scheduled release on January 18, the game is being hailed as the ideal way to resurrect gaming’s original Prince. Clearly, Ubisoft is banking on its rich, diverse back catalog and the promise of future titles to keep gamers subscribed and engaged.
But let’s be real here. Are gamers really ready to let go of their cherished physical collections? To embrace a world where games are as ephemeral as an Instagram story? Though Ubisoft seems to think so and looks to be betting big on it, we’re certain players don’t feel the same way.
It’s a bold move, and only time will tell if gamers will all happily jump on the subscription bandwagon like they’ve done for movies and music with services like Netflix and Spotify.
