Gamers have long been dissatisfied with Ubisoft’s PC game launcher, citing its poor performance, outdated design, and clunky interfaces. In response, Ubisoft has released an update to its launcher called Ubisoft Connect, which aims to address these concerns and provide a better user experience.
One of the key changes in the updated Ubisoft Connect client for PC is a fresh interface that includes larger and wider icons for improved navigation. The interface also provides extra information about each game, allowing users to quickly see if a game is downloaded or installed. This can be particularly helpful for users with large game libraries who want to easily find and access their games.
The timing of Ubisoft’s Connect update is noteworthy, as it comes on the heels of a well-received update to competitor Steam’s game launcher. Connect, like other first-party publisher-owned launchers such as EA’s app (formerly known as Origin), has struggled to gain traction among PC gamers who prefer the more reliable and user-friendly Steam and GOG platforms.
According to Charles Huteau, the project’s creative director, Ubisoft took the time to listen to feedback from users and make improvements to the desktop app. The focus was on accessibility and making it easier for players to find what they’re looking for. This shows that Ubisoft is actively working to address the concerns raised by gamers and provide a launcher that meets their needs.
Another significant change in Connect is the unified library interface, where all games available to users, including those from Ubisoft’s Plus service, are displayed together. This simplifies the browsing experience and allows users to view and access all of their games in one place. Additionally, Connect now provides at-a-glance information about each game, such as the user’s progress and whether the game is downloaded or requires updates.
The social features of Connect have also been enhanced, with an emphasis on connecting with friends and finding players to join in gaming sessions. The app allows users to create new profiles and start a Share Play stream for friends to watch. It also enables users to easily find and connect with friends, see what games they’re playing, and join them in multiplayer sessions. These social features aim to enhance the overall gaming experience and encourage social interaction among players.
Under the hood, Connect boasts a new framework that promises performance improvements and allows for easier collaboration within Ubisoft. The framework enables multiple team members to contribute to the development of the client, ensuring a more robust and constantly improving platform. Ubisoft is gradually rolling out the beta experience to users of the desktop app, with an activation button available once the update is available.
Overall, Ubisoft’s update to its PC game launcher, Ubisoft Connect, shows a commitment to addressing user feedback and improving the gaming experience for PC players. With a fresh interface, enhanced navigation, at-a-glance information, social features, and performance improvements, Ubisoft aims to win over skeptics and provide a launcher that can compete with industry leaders like Steam. By actively listening to the needs and preferences of gamers, Ubisoft is taking steps towards creating a launcher that meets the expectations of its user base.