Key Highlights:
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage coming to Steam in October 2024.
- First Assassin’s Creed game to launch simultaneously on Steam and other platforms.
- Marks Ubisoft’s shift towards day-one Steam releases for future titles.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is set to make its debut on Steam this October, marking a significant shift in Ubisoft’s PC distribution strategy.
This announcement comes exactly one year after the game’s initial release on other platforms, signalling a new approach from the French publisher towards the popular Steam platform.
Previously, Ubisoft had held back Steam releases in favour of its own storefront and the Epic Games Store.
Developed by Ubisoft Bordeaux, Mirage represents a return to the series’ roots, focusing on stealth action and parkour in a densely packed urban environment.
The game takes place in 9th-century Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age, with players assuming the role of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character familiar to fans of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
The Steam version of Mirage will feature platform-specific elements such as Steam achievements, enhancing the experience for users of Valve’s platform.
However, it’s worth noting that the game will still require a Ubisoft Connect account to play and will incorporate Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM, as revealed on its newly created Steam store page.
This move reflects a broader change in Ubisoft’s strategy, with the company announcing plans to release all future titles on Steam simultaneously with other PC platforms.
This decision was reportedly influenced by lower-than-expected sales of Star Wars Outlaws on other platforms, prompting Ubisoft to reconsider its distribution approach.
The exact release date for Assassin’s Creed Mirage on Steam has not yet been officially confirmed, with the store page currently listing only October 2024 as the launch window.
Don’t worry though, this cautious approach is typical of the developers, who often release more specific dates closer to launch if the past is anything to go by.
Though, this simultaneous release strategy will extend to upcoming titles, including the recently delayed Assassin’s Creed Shadows, scheduled for release in February.
The 9th-century Baghdad entry has had a few updates and even implemented a new game + with Patch 1.0.6 last year.
Mirage’s arrival on Steam marks a significant moment for both Ubisoft and the AC franchise. By embracing Steam’s vast user base, Ubisoft is potentially opening up its titles to a wider audience, while also addressing the preferences of PC gamers who favour Valve’s platform.
With this new strategy in place, it could even influence other publishers to reconsider their own distribution strategies.