Ubisoft+ Expands to Xbox, Aims to Compete with Game Pass

The Ubisoft+ subscription service has officially launched on Xbox consoles, marking a significant milestone in the company's efforts to expand its reach beyond PC. Initially introduced as Uplay+ in 2019, the service has since rebranded and debuted on cloud gaming platforms such as Stadia and Amazon Luna. The standard subscription, priced at $14.99, provides access to the full library of games on PC, while the $17.99 Multi-Access tier allows subscribers to play selected titles across multiple platforms, including PC, Luna, Xbox, and eventually PlayStation, with the ability to carry over game sessions between platforms. Ubisoft+ director Philippe Tremblay views the rise of subscription services as a crucial shift in the gaming market, presenting an opportunity for the company to reach new gamers. The Multi-Access tier is seen as a unique offering, and Tremblay highlights the investment made in the Ubisoft Connect system, particularly in enabling cross-progression. While Ubisoft+ faces competition from Xbox Game Pass, Tremblay believes the market has not yet reached its full potential and that the quality of content will be the key differentiator. The service boasts over 100 games from Ubisoft's 37-year history, including popular franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy, as well as indie titles and family-friendly games. Ubisoft+ also features premium editions of games, including DLC and additional content, and new releases are added to the service at launch. The company hopes to bring more indie games to the platform, adding to the diversity of the catalogue. Tremblay is confident in the viability of the subscription model, citing positive results and the company's continued investment in the service. As Ubisoft+ expands to more platforms, the company plans to increase its promotional efforts, making the service more prominent and appealing to a wider range of gamers.