Ubisoft Unveils New Subscription Service, Aiming to Shift Gamer Comfort with Non-Ownership

Ubisoft has revamped its subscription model, rebranding its flagship service as Ubisoft+ Premium and introducing a new option called Ubisoft+ Classics for PC users. This move aims to cater to diverse gamer preferences, providing access to a wide range of games, including new releases and a back catalog of popular titles. Philippe Tremblay, director of subscriptions at Ubisoft, highlights the company's effort to evolve based on consumer behavior and interaction with their services. Ubisoft+ Premium, priced at $17.99, offers day-one releases, early access to select games, and premium editions with added content. Meanwhile, Ubisoft+ Classics, available for $7.99 a month, features a library of back-catalog games like Far Cry 6 and Rainbow Six: Siege. Tremblay notes that millions of subscribers have played over half a billion hours of games in the last four years, demonstrating the growth potential of the subscription model in the gaming industry. Despite debates around subscription services, Ubisoft sees an opportunity to bring in new players and offer flexibility in how gamers access their games. The company acknowledges the challenge of subscription fatigue but emphasizes its commitment to providing value and convenience through its services. With the acquisition of streaming rights to Activision Blizzard's games, Ubisoft is poised to expand its offerings further, embracing the potential of streaming to enhance the gaming experience. As the industry continues to evolve, Ubisoft remains focused on delivering its games to a wider audience, whether through purchase or subscription, and is optimistic about the future of the subscription model in the gaming sector.