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Ubisoft Connect
Ubisoft Connect
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Ubisoft Connect
Other names
  • Ubisoft Game Launcher (2009–2012)
  • Uplay (2012–2020)
DeveloperMassive Entertainment
Initial release17 November 2009; 15 years ago (2009-11-17)
PlatformMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
PredecessorUbisoft Club
TypeContent delivery
Digital rights management
Social networking
Websiteconnect.ubisoft.com

Ubisoft Connect (formerly Ubisoft Game Launcher and Uplay) is a service for digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communication developed by Massive Entertainment to provide an experience similar to the achievements/trophies offered by various other game companies. The service is provided across various platforms. Ubisoft Connect is used exclusively by first-party Ubisoft Entertainment games, and although some third-party ones are sold through the Ubisoft store, they do not use the Ubisoft Connect platform.

Features

[edit]

Ubisoft Connect serves as a combination of a free reward system (formerly Ubisoft Club) and online profile system for players of Ubisoft games. While playing Ubisoft games, players can complete in-game achievements which earn points towards their profile. They can then redeem these points for in-game content across many Ubisoft games, typically as cosmetic items which can otherwise be purchased through microtransactions. Players can also maintain friend lists which will be used in various games to help with matchmaking or tied with certain in-game features.

The Ubisoft Connect client on personal computers also serves as a storefront and digital download management tool. Players can purchase Ubisoft games through its storefront and manage downloads and updates of games. The client also maintains digital rights management (DRM) for Ubisoft games, and is required to be run for any Ubisoft game, even if the game is purchased on a different storefront such as through Steam or the Epic Games Store.

An optional subscription service, Ubisoft+ (formerly Uplay+), allows subscribers to have access to Ubisoft's full library of games as well as immediate access to its newest games and closed beta tests for upcoming games.

History

[edit]
The former Uplay logo

The Uplay reward system was first introduced alongside the release of Assassin's Creed II on 17 November 2009.[1] The Uplay reward system allowed players to connect with other gamers, and to earn rewards based on achievements (called "Actions") in Uplay-enabled games, with Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot stating that "the more you play, the more free goods you will be able to have".[2][3]

On personal computers, Ubisoft had offered its Ubisoft Game Launcher to manage the downloads and updating of its games. The Uplay client was introduced on 3 July 2012 to replace the launcher, incorporating its features as well as management of Uplay rewards and a digital storefront for Ubisoft games.[4]

Certain Ubisoft games required an online pass known as a "Uplay Passport" to access online and multiplayer content. In October 2013, Ubisoft announced that it would discontinue its use of online passes on future games, and made the Uplay Passport for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag available at no charge effective immediately.[5]

Uplay+, a monthly subscription service giving the subscriber full access to over 100 games in the Ubisoft catalog including immediate access to new games and closed beta tests, was introduced during E3 2019.[6] Uplay+ launched on September 3, 2019 in beta form, with full expansion in early 2020. The service was offered both through the Uplay store, as will be an option for Stadia users.[7][8][9]

In October 2020, Uplay and the Ubisoft Club were merged into Ubisoft Connect, which would offer the same features but also enable current and future Ubisoft games to support cross-saves and cross-play between platforms, and support for cloud gaming platforms including Stadia and Amazon Luna. However, Ubisoft said that several of the older games in the UPlay library will not be transitioned to support Ubisoft Connect's features, and thus they unlocked all the Uplay rewards associated with these games for all users.[10] As part of Ubisoft's transition from Uplay to Ubisoft Connect, the Uplay+ service was rebranded as Ubisoft+ in October 2020, with its offering expanded to include the Amazon Luna cloud gaming platform.[11]

In July 2023, it was reported that Ubisoft had started to permanently delete accounts it deemed "inactive", including purchased games. The company said that this was incorrect and that only accounts without purchases were deleted to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation.[12][13][14]

Reception

[edit]

Early reception of Uplay with reviewers and the public had been largely negative, primarily related to the use of DRM. Early games that incorporated Uplay required players to maintain a constant connection to the internet, and if the connection was lost during gameplay, the game would halt, sending users back to their last checkpoint or save depending on the specific game.[15] The scheme quickly came under fire after a denial-of-service attack on Ubisoft's DRM servers in early March 2010 rendered Silent Hunter 5 and Assassin's Creed II unplayable for several days.[16] The always-on requirement was quietly lifted for existing Uplay games towards the end of 2010, being changed to a single validation on game launch.[17] However, the always-on requirement made a return in 2011 with the releases of Driver: San Francisco[18] and From Dust, the latter having been explicitly stated by Ubisoft prior to release to only require a one-time online activation on install.[19] From Dust was later patched to remove the always-on requirement.[20] In September 2012 Ubisoft employees confirmed in an interview that no further Ubisoft games would be using the always-on requirement, instead opting for a one-time activation of the game on install. However The Crew, released in 2014, required the player to be always online in order to play.[21]

John Walker, writing for Rock, Paper, Shotgun, called it a "technical mess" and saying that "it desperately needs to just go away" in the wake of a server collapse around the release of Far Cry 3 that temporarily made the game unplayable.[22] Ars Technica's Kyle Orland says that "Uplay has not exactly endeared itself to the PC gaming community", describing a history of technical errors and problems related to its DRM.[23] Geoffrey Tim, writing for lazygamer.net, called it the "worst thing" about Ubisoft's "otherwise excellent" games, and particularly criticized it for running alongside Steam when Ubisoft games are purchased on that platform.[24] Patrick Klepek, writing for Giant Bomb, criticized the same point, saying that Ubisoft's desire to run its own distribution service offered no real benefit to consumers, and describing the tactics they used to try to get people to use it as irritating and unappealing.[25] Writing a comparison for GadgetReview in which he compared the three major distribution platforms—Uplay, Valve's Steam and Electronic Arts' Origin—Shawn Sanders criticized it for using large amounts of memory while offering fewer features than its competitors.[26] Summarizing popular opinion on the service, VG247's Brenna Hillier said that "Uplay is one of the less popular PC DRM systems, but all your fervent wishing that it would die has not been successful."[27] Joshua Wolens of PC Gamer said that "Have you ever launched a game from Steam, only to watch Origin or UPlay spark to life, and thought "Ah, yes, how pleased I am to see you"? Of course you haven't, unless you own EA or Ubisoft stock. These things don't exist to make games better, they exist to give business liches and C-suite types a little warm glow."[28]

Rootkit allegations

[edit]

In July 2012 Tavis Ormandy, an Information Security Engineer at Google, claimed that "Uplay" DRM is a rootkit and poses a serious security risk. The software installs a browser plugin that provides access to the system.[29][30] Ormandy has written proof-of-concept code for the exploit. The exploit is believed to have been fixed as of version 2.0.4, released on 30 July 2012.[31][32][33]

Ubisoft Club

[edit]
The Ubisoft Club logo

The Ubisoft Club (initially known as Uplay Club) was introduced in October 2015, which transitioned most of the reward system facets of Uplay to this program, as well as adding further ways for players to earn points towards rewards by playing Ubisoft games.[34]

In 2020, it merged into Ubisoft Connect.[10]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ubisoft Connect

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ubisoft Connect is a free multi-platform ecosystem of player services developed by , functioning as the central hub for accessing, managing, and enhancing Ubisoft games across PC and consoles. It integrates , (DRM), multiplayer connectivity, achievements, and community features to provide a unified gaming experience. Launched on October 29, 2020, it serves as the successor to the Uplay PC client and Ubisoft Club rewards program, merging and expanding their functionalities into a single service. The platform requires a Ubisoft account for access and is available through a desktop application on PC or directly in-game on consoles, enabling users to download titles, track progress, and participate in cross-platform activities. Key features include cross-progression and cross-play support in select games, allowing players to maintain saves and interact across devices; a rewards system called Units, which are loyalty points earned through gameplay, purchases, and challenges that can be redeemed for in-game items or discounts on the Store; and social tools like chat, friends lists, and shared media. Additionally, it integrates with , the company's subscription service offering access to a library of games, early releases, and premium editions. Since its introduction, Ubisoft Connect has evolved to emphasize , such as providing tailored tips, stats, and videos to assist players, while supporting time-limited challenges that reward experience points, currencies, and cosmetics. It powers connectivity for major franchises including , Rainbow Six Siege, and , fostering a connected of over 130 million active users worldwide, as of March 2025.

History

Origins and Early Development

Ubisoft launched its digital services platform, initially known as the Ubisoft Game Launcher and Uplay reward system, on November 17, 2009, coinciding with the release of on consoles. The platform was designed as a multifaceted service encompassing , (DRM), multiplayer functionality, and communication tools, aiming to create a unified ecosystem for gamers to access and engage with Ubisoft titles. This launch marked Ubisoft's entry into a connected gaming environment, emphasizing rewards for player actions and community building across its games. The development of the platform was led by Massive Entertainment, a studio acquired by in November 2008, which brought expertise in online services to the project. From its inception, the service focused on enhancing player retention through features like unit collection for in-game rewards, while laying the groundwork for broader integration in future titles. On PC, where the Ubisoft Game Launcher handled downloads and updates, the platform's core purpose extended to combating software piracy, a pressing concern for the industry at the time. A key aspect of the early implementation was the emphasis on online connectivity for DRM in single-player games, particularly with the PC release of Assassin's Creed II in March 2010. This included requirements for initial one-time activation via Ubisoft servers and periodic checks to verify authenticity, enforcing an always-online model to deter unauthorized copies. The approach was explicitly motivated by efforts to reduce piracy rates, which Ubisoft reported had previously impacted up to 90-95% of their PC sales in some markets. During this period, integration was limited exclusively to Ubisoft's first-party titles, with no support for third-party games, ensuring a controlled rollout within the company's portfolio.

Rebranding to Uplay and Expansion

On July 3, 2012, Ubisoft rebranded its gaming platform to Uplay and released a dedicated PC client that enabled users to download games, manage updates, and access profiles in a centralized interface. This shift marked a significant evolution from the earlier Ubisoft Game Launcher, emphasizing and enhanced user integration for PC gamers. That same year, Ubisoft implemented online passes for select titles, such as Far Cry 3, which required a unique code to unlock multiplayer and other online features, aiming to combat used game sales. However, due to widespread player backlash over added costs and restrictions, the company discontinued the system in October 2013, retroactively providing free access codes for affected games like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. Uplay's expansion continued in September 2013 with announcements confirming its availability on next-generation consoles, integrating services on and starting November. This cross-platform push allowed unified profiles and rewards across PC and consoles, broadening accessibility beyond desktop environments. In October 2015, Ubisoft introduced Ubisoft Club as an upgraded rewards program, consolidating Uplay's achievement and incentive features into a single, platform-agnostic system. A major milestone came at , where unveiled Uplay+, a subscription service priced at $14.99 per month, granting access to over 100 titles, including day-one releases of new games and exclusive betas. Launching on September 3, 2019, for PC with plans for broader rollout, it positioned Uplay as a competitive alternative to services like . Throughout the 2010s, Uplay faced challenges that highlighted its reliance on server infrastructure, including a March 2010 outage caused by a DDoS attack, which temporarily prevented access to DRM-protected games like Assassin's Creed II and Silent Hunter 5. Ubisoft responded by offering compensatory in-game content to affected players. Similarly, the 2014 launch of The Crew mandated a persistent online connection for all gameplay modes, even single-player, to support its shared-world design, igniting debates on accessibility and DRM overreach.

Transition to Ubisoft Connect and Post-2020 Updates

In October 2020, announced the launch of Ubisoft Connect as a unified platform, set to debut on October 29, merging the functionalities of Uplay and Ubisoft Club to create a single ecosystem for game access, rewards, and community features across all platforms. This rebranding aimed to streamline the player experience by integrating Uplay's launcher and store capabilities with Ubisoft Club's loyalty program, allowing seamless access to games, progress tracking, and rewards in one interface. The transition was gradual, with live service titles adopting the full Connect features over the following two months. Concurrently, Ubisoft rebranded its subscription service Uplay+ to Ubisoft+ in late October 2020, enhancing it with expanded access to a broader game library and integration with cloud gaming platforms such as and by early 2021. This update maintained the core $14.99 monthly pricing while introducing day-one access to new releases and cloud streaming options for U.S. subscribers, positioning it as a more versatile alternative to traditional PC-only subscriptions. With the launch of Ubisoft Connect, cross-save (cross-progression) and cross-play features were introduced for new releases starting in 2020, enabling players to maintain progress and play multiplayer across platforms like PC, PlayStation, , and Stadia. By 2023, these capabilities expanded to additional titles, including live service games like and The Division 2, with automatic progression syncing between supported platforms upon account linking. Ongoing expansions continued into 2025, such as the addition of cross-progression to in September. In June 2023, Ubisoft initiated a public beta for an overhauled PC version of Connect, focusing on improvements to the game library navigation, social integration for friend lists and invites, and enhancements for better and streaming setup. The beta rolled out gradually through the summer, reaching all PC users by September 19, 2023, and incorporated player feedback to refine features like personalized recommendations and challenge tracking. In April 2025, Ubisoft announced the decommissioning of the Ubisoft Connect Mobile Companion App, with downloads ceasing on April 8 and full shutdown on May 8, shifting focus to PC and in-game features. That same month, updates to the Units earning system in Ubisoft Connect automated the addition of earned currency to player accounts, though processing delays of a few days were noted to ensure accurate tracking from in-game challenges and purchases. This refinement built on the rewards integration from Ubisoft Club, allowing Units to be redeemed for discounts up to 20% on the Ubisoft Store. In July 2023, Ubisoft faced concerns over a policy to suspend and delete inactive accounts after 30 days without login, sparking fears of lost game libraries; however, the company clarified that only accounts without any purchases or owned games—typically free-trial or unused profiles—would be affected, exempting those with digital entitlements. This addressed community backlash while maintaining data hygiene practices.

Features

Core Platform Functionality

Ubisoft Connect serves as the primary digital storefront and launcher for Ubisoft games on PC, enabling users to access, download, and manage their library through a dedicated desktop application. The platform facilitates automatic updates to ensure games remain current with the latest patches and content, while also supporting seamless downloads of new titles directly from the Ubisoft Store. Additionally, it integrates cloud save functionality, allowing players to maintain progress across devices where supported by individual games. To utilize the platform, users must authenticate with a account, a requirement that extends to games purchased on third-party platforms such as or the . This process links the external purchase to the user's Ubisoft profile, enabling access to the full game and any associated features upon initial launch. The platform provides exclusive access to free trials, demos, and beta tests for select Ubisoft titles, which are available only through the app or website and require account login to initiate. These offerings allow users to sample games before purchase without needing to buy them outright. A mobile companion app previously allowed tracking of progress, challenges, and social features on and Android devices, but it was decommissioned on May 8, 2025; mobile access is now limited to web-based account management or integration in Ubisoft's mobile games where supported. Ubisoft+ is a subscription service integrated with the platform, granting subscribers day-one access to new Ubisoft releases, unlimited play of the full back-catalog of eligible titles, and premium editions including expansions and season passes. Introduced in its modern form post-2020, the service also includes cloud streaming capabilities via partnerships with services like and , allowing gameplay on compatible devices without local installation. While primarily designed for online connectivity, Ubisoft Connect supports an offline mode that activates after an initial online and game launch with the "Remember me" option selected. In this mode, single-player content remains playable, but limitations apply, including the unavailability of multiplayer features, online services, and automatic updates.

Rewards and Progression Systems

Ubisoft Connect features a centered on Units, a that players earn primarily through completing in-game challenges, achievements, and time-limited or core quests across supported titles. These challenges, accessible via the Ubisoft Connect overlay or menu, include daily and weekly objectives that reward experience points upon completion, contributing to overall account leveling and Unit accumulation; for instance, playing sessions in games like or Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege can yield Units through associated achievements and quests. Additionally, Units can be gained from Ubisoft Store purchases, with automatic addition to accounts typically processing within a few days as of the April 2025 update. Players redeem Units for various incentives, such as in-game items, cosmetics, or currency boosts tailored to specific titles—for example, unlocking weapon skins or gear in Rainbow Six Siege or exclusive outfits in the series. A key redemption option includes exchanging 100 Units for a 20% discount on Store purchases, applicable to pre-orders and new releases, enhancing value for ongoing engagement. Units expire after 24 months from earning, prioritizing the oldest first in redemptions to encourage timely use. The platform's progression system ties into a unified , where accumulating from challenges advances account levels, unlocking further rewards and displaying badges representing milestones across games. Stats tracking monitors playtime, achievements, and performance metrics from multiple titles, viewable on the profile page to provide a comprehensive overview of player history. Following the 2020 merger of Ubisoft Club into , former Club rewards—over 1,000 exclusive in-game unlocks—were integrated and made freely available to accounts, preserving loyalty benefits like unique and content for . This system supports cross-platform progression syncing, allowing rewards and levels to carry over between devices where compatible.

Cross-Platform and Social Integration

Ubisoft Connect facilitates cross-play and cross-progression in select titles, allowing players to engage in multiplayer sessions and carry over save data across PC, PlayStation, , and platforms. These features, which expanded significantly following the from Uplay, require linking a account to platform-specific accounts for seamless interoperability, though availability varies by game—such as full support in Rainbow Six Siege across all platforms. For instance, games like enable cross-play including users, while others limit it to console families or PC-only. Social tools within Ubisoft Connect include an in-platform friends list, text and voice chat capabilities, Share Play for co-op sessions, and on PC to stream games to friends. Users can add friends via username search in the Social tab, create group chats for up to 23 participants, and manage for interactions across platforms. These elements support collaborative play, with cross-platform chat enabling communication regardless of device. Community features encompass news feeds for game updates, leaderboards for competitive rankings in multiplayer titles, and group challenges that encourage collective participation for shared rewards like Units. Leaderboards and challenges are integrated into supported games, such as The Crew 2's PvP and crew-based events, fostering social competition. In 2023, a beta update to Ubisoft Connect PC introduced enhancements to the social UI, including customizable player profiles that display progress and current games for better visibility among friends, alongside improved sharing elements to highlight updates and achievements. These changes also streamlined invites and interactions through the refreshed interface, rolled out gradually to all PC users by . Despite these advancements, not all Ubisoft titles support full cross-play, with some restricted to intra-platform or console-family matching, and third-party integrations remain minimal, confining most social and cross-platform functionality to Ubisoft's ecosystem.

Technical Implementation

Supported Platforms and Compatibility

Ubisoft Connect primarily supports Windows PCs through a dedicated desktop application that manages game launches, updates, and account services. It integrates seamlessly with major consoles, including , , , Xbox Series X/S, and , where users access its features directly within supported Ubisoft titles without needing a separate app. It also supports cloud gaming on , allowing users to link their Ubisoft accounts for access to games and cross-progression features. The platform's minimum system requirements for PC include (64-bit) or later as the operating system and a internet connection required for initial installation, authentication, and online functionalities such as rewards redemption. Ubisoft Connect maintains compatibility with third-party launchers like and the by allowing users to link their Ubisoft accounts to these platforms. This enables authentication through Connect for Ubisoft titles purchased elsewhere, supporting features such as Steam's overlay while requiring Connect for core services like progression syncing. A companion previously provided account management, notifications, challenges, and rewards access on and Android devices, though it did not support full gameplay. The app was decommissioned on May 8, 2025, with all features now available exclusively through the PC desktop app or in-game overlays across supported platforms. Throughout 2024 and 2025, issued ongoing troubleshooting updates to address connectivity issues, including revised guides for login errors updated in February 2025 and fixes for common error codes like 17002 in September 2025, enhancing stability across PC and console ecosystems.

Digital Rights Management and Security

Ubisoft Connect's digital rights management (DRM) system requires a one-time online activation for each game upon initial launch, after which users can play offline for single-player modes, though periodic online checks may apply for certain features or games. This hybrid approach replaced the platform's earlier always-online requirement, implemented in 2010 for titles like Assassin's Creed II, which mandated constant internet connectivity even for single-player modes and led to widespread disruptions during server outages. The shift to the current model occurred in 2012 following significant backlash, allowing limited offline access while maintaining server dependency for validation. To enhance security, Ubisoft Connect binds games and progress to individual Ubisoft accounts, which can be linked to external platforms such as or Launcher for cross-verification and to prevent unauthorized access on different devices. saves are synchronized via the platform and protected through account-level safeguards, though specific encryption details for save transmission are handled in accordance with Ubisoft's general data protection practices. Ubisoft Connect PC includes a file verification feature that allows users to scan installed game files for missing or corrupted data, automatically restoring them by downloading replacements as needed. This tool assists in troubleshooting technical issues such as game crashes, launch failures, or performance problems stemming from file integrity issues. The feature is documented in Ubisoft's official support article, last updated March 4, 2025, with no documented changes as of 2026. In July 2012, security engineer publicly alleged that the Uplay client ( Connect's predecessor) contained a rootkit-like vulnerability in its browser plugin, potentially allowing from malicious websites due to insufficient input validation and kernel-level access risks. demonstrated how the flaw could enable remote code execution, raising concerns over system security beyond piracy prevention. acknowledged the issue and released Uplay 2.0.4 on July 30, 2012, removing the vulnerable browser plugin and patching the exploit without implementing a full . Post-2020 updates to Ubisoft Connect introduced two-factor authentication (2FA) options, including authenticator apps, email, and , to add an extra verification layer during logins and reduce account compromise risks. These enhancements integrated with anti-cheat systems like in multiplayer titles, such as Rainbow Six Siege, enabling faster detection of cheats through machine learning-based monitoring and extended ban durations of 5-7 days for violations. The platform's server dependency has drawn criticism for causing gameplay interruptions during outages, while early client versions faced reports of high , including memory leaks that increased RAM usage over extended sessions.

Reception and Impact

Critical and User Reception

Ubisoft Connect has received praise for its cross-progression capabilities, which enable players to maintain save data and progress seamlessly across PC, consoles, and cloud platforms, enhancing convenience for multi-device gamers. The platform's integration with the subscription service further bolsters its appeal, providing access to a library exceeding 100 titles, including day-one releases and DLC, for $17.99 per month in the Premium tier, offering significant value for dedicated Ubisoft enthusiasts who might otherwise face higher individual purchase costs. Despite these strengths, the platform has faced substantial criticism for its technical reliability and user experience. Users and reviewers have highlighted persistent issues such as frequent crashes during gameplay launches, elevated CPU usage that impacts system performance, and an interface often described as cluttered and less intuitive than alternatives like Steam. These problems contributed to low user satisfaction ratings, with aggregate scores on review sites averaging around 1.1 out of 5 based on thousands of submissions. In 2024 and 2025, such complaints intensified amid Ubisoft's wider operational hurdles, including delays of major releases such as Assassin's Creed Shadows (delayed from 2024 and released on March 20, 2025), which amplified frustration with mandatory launcher dependencies. Media coverage has offered a mixed assessment, acknowledging incremental enhancements while underscoring ongoing shortcomings. For instance, the 2023 beta update introduced a more navigable library and improved friend management, yet reviewers noted that the launcher retained bloat and sluggish performance compared to prior versions. As of Ubisoft's 2024 (ended March 2024), the platform supported 138 million unique active users across console and PC, reflecting substantial adoption driven by the company's exclusive title ; for 2025 (ended March 2025), this figure was over 100 million unique active players. However, retention has been strained by requirements to use the platform for all Ubisoft games, compounded by policies closing inactive accounts after four years of dormancy for those without purchase history. In November 2025, Ubisoft Connect marked its fifth anniversary by offering for free on PC and announcing upcoming enhancements like improved connectivity and social features. Earlier in April 2025, the mobile companion app was decommissioned, shifting focus to desktop and in-game access. As of 2025, overall reception toward Ubisoft Connect remains neutral, largely eclipsed by the publisher's corporate difficulties, including declining revenues and speculation of , without any prominent scandals tied directly to the service itself.

Controversies and Allegations

In March 2010, shortly after the launch of Uplay (the predecessor to Ubisoft Connect), a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack targeted Ubisoft's servers, disrupting online DRM authentication for games such as Assassin's Creed II. This incident prevented legitimate players from accessing single-player modes, as the always-online requirement created a single point of failure, forcing users to seek unofficial workarounds like altered system clocks to bypass checks. Ubisoft confirmed the attack limited service for several hours, affecting a minority of users but underscoring the vulnerabilities of mandatory online verification. In July 2012, security researcher of identified a flaw in Uplay's browser plugin that allegedly functioned as a , enabling any website to execute arbitrary code on users' PCs and potentially access system files. The vulnerability stemmed from the plugin's design, which allowed remote code execution without user consent, raising alarms about unauthorized system access and privacy risks. denied the rootkit characterization, attributing it to a coding error in the plugin, and promptly released a patch while issuing a public apology to affected users. By November 2013, Ubisoft discontinued its Uplay Passport program—an online pass system that required a code to unlock multiplayer features and extra content—following widespread backlash over perceived paywalling of purchased games. The policy, criticized for limiting access in used copies of titles like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, was seen as anti-consumer and punitive toward secondary markets. Ubisoft announced the change for future releases, citing player feedback as the driving factor. In July 2023, Ubisoft's policy on deleting inactive accounts—those without logins for extended periods and no purchase history (currently defined as four years of inactivity, per updates as of November 2025)—sparked outrage among users fearing loss of game libraries and raised broader concerns about practices. The company clarified that only accounts with no purchase history would be targeted, sparing those with bought content, but the initial announcement fueled debates on digital ownership and account permanence. From 2024 to 2025, Ubisoft's ongoing corporate challenges, including multiple rounds of layoffs totaling over 600 positions across studios, have indirectly raised concerns about the and timely updates for services like Ubisoft Connect amid resource constraints. These restructurings, driven by financial pressures and project delays, have not directly implicated Connect but have contributed to perceptions of instability in Ubisoft's digital ecosystem.

References

  1. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/ubisoft-connect
  2. https://news.ubisoft.com/en-us/article/22dyMZGX7qNmFF62It60JB/ubisoft-connect-the-next-generation-of-ubisoft-services
  3. https://news.ubisoft.com/en-us/article/49k4tJWat7Fynslc5BkRdi/ubisoft-connect-brings-the-entire-ubisoft-ecosystem-to-one-place-on-october-29
  4. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/connectivity-and-performance/article/crossplay-and-cross-progression-features-in-ubisoft-games/000061177
  5. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/connectivity-and-performance/article/information-about-ubisoft-connect-units/000071594
  6. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/connectivity-and-performance/article/challenges-and-rewards-in-ubisoft-connect/000071610
  7. https://staticctf.ubisoft.com/8aefmxkxpxwl/75aGUbWM9kwnQj44Tr7d6H/ce4ca047ddadf45cf1e98cea8d1d7a78/Ubisoft_FY25_PR_English_vfinal.pdf
  8. https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Store:Ubisoft_Connect
  9. https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/11/18/ubisoft-launches-first-uplay-services-with-assassins-creed-ii
  10. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/uplay-to-launch-with-assassins-creed-ii
  11. https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2010/02/ubisoft-details-drm/
  12. https://in.ign.com/xbox-360/55666/news/ubisoft-kills-online-pass-system-effective-immediately
  13. https://www.eurogamer.net/uplay-confirmed-for-ps4-and-xbox-one
  14. https://www.vg247.com/ubisoft-confirms-uplay-service-for-ps4-and-xbox-one
  15. https://www.polygon.com/2015/10/19/9566949/ubisoft-club-rewards-program-uplay
  16. https://news.ubisoft.com/en-us/article/2ME5WkkGtnai5uPHqdszm7/uplay-subscription-service-to-give-players-access-to-100-ubisoft-games-e3-2019
  17. https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/10/ubisoft-announces-uplay-subscription-service-for-pc-e3-2019
  18. https://kotaku.com/ubisofts-next-gen-racing-game-is-always-online-they-e-512250025
  19. https://www.ign.com/articles/ubisoft-connect-is-a-next-gen-uplay-with-cross-progression-and-digital-rewards
  20. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/ubisoft-connect-announced-as-a-refreshed-replacement-for-uplay-and-ubisoft-club
  21. https://news.ubisoft.com/en-au/article/4VrmXwa7aycz0zQht5GTJM/uplay-becomes-ubisoft
  22. https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/27/21535105/ubisoft-plus-uplay-subscription-service-google-stadia-amazon-luna-pc-gaming
  23. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/for-honor/news-updates/3QO3z31NYVQ0uCADpMCOUq/crossprogression-faq
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  25. https://news.ubisoft.com/fr-fr/article/7aKnb8WEjG1dUoAH7GCQSN/ubisoft-connect-pc-betas-rollout-is-complete
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  27. https://store.ubisoft.com/us/units-discount?lang=en_US
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  29. https://www.ign.com/articles/ubisoft-clarifies-that-it-wont-delete-game-libraries-due-to-game-inactivity-after-fan-panic
  30. https://www.pcgamer.com/your-ubisoft-account-can-be-suspended-and-subsequently-permanently-deleted-for-inactivity-taking-your-games-library-with-it/
  31. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/account/article/linking-your-steam-and-ubisoft-accounts/000066792
  32. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/help/connectivity-and-performance/article/decommission-of-the-ubisoft-connect-mobile-companion-app-april-2025/000112210
  33. https://store.ubisoft.com/us/ubisoftplus?lang=en_US
  34. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/connectivity-and-performance/article/offline-play-in-ubisoft-games-on-pc/000063188
  35. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/rainbow-six-siege/gameplay/article/crossplay-and-cross-progression-in-rainbow-six-siege/000097631
  36. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/connectivity-and-performance/article/managing-your-friends-in-ubisoft-connect-pc/000065768
  37. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/connectivity-and-performance/article/creating-a-group-chat-in-ubisoft-connect-pc/000096890
  38. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/account/article/social-preferences-for-your-ubisoft-account/000107362
  39. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-ca/game/the-crew/the-crew-2/news-updates/zs6ZFyLEQvKbFskEJZolR/the-crew-2-hybrid-mode-is-now-available
  40. https://news.ubisoft.com/en-us/article/7aKnb8WEjG1dUoAH7GCQSN/ubisoft-connect-pc-betas-rollout-is-complete
  41. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/all-topics?platform=Ubisoft%20Connect%20on%20PC
  42. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/account/article/linking-your-amazon-luna-and-ubisoft-accounts/000081008
  43. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/connectivity-and-performance/article/installing-or-re-installing-ubisoft-connect-pc/000063173
  44. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/account/article/linking-other-accounts-to-your-ubisoft-account/000075524
  45. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/connectivity-and-performance/article/troubleshooting-connectivity-issues-with-ubisoft-connect-pc/000060499
  46. https://www.eurogamer.net/ubisoft-ditches-controversial-always-on-drm-for-pc-games
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  48. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/account/article/improving-the-security-on-your-ubisoft-account/000062764
  49. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/connectivity-and-performance/article/verifying-game-files-in-ubisoft-connect-pc/000060529
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  53. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/account/article/securing-your-account-with-2-step-verification-mobile-app/000063986
  54. https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/rainbow-six/siege/news-updates/xvEzvsuxW34DS4WPs7zWA/r6-shieldguard-y10s3-update
  55. https://www.ghacks.net/2023/06/27/ubisoft-connect-beta-brings-a-new-interface-for-the-launcher-and-more-features/
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  71. https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ubisoft-is-laying-off-more-workers-and-offering-voluntary-buyouts-120030931.html
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  73. https://www.blog.udonis.co/mobile-marketing/mobile-games/ubisoft-layoffs
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