Ubisoft Drops Uplay Service For Good

Due to backlash from gamers, Ubisoft has decided to drop their controversial Uplay service. The most recent outcry about Ubisoft’s version of an online pass is over the Edward’s Fleet game mode in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. In order to access the feature, gamers had to enter in the code that came with their new copy of the game, or pay a fee. However, because of the inability for some users to be able to play Edward’s Fleet, Ubisoft is now offering it for free. Here’s more from their official blog post: 

In Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, Edward’s Fleet is an innovative online feature that allows a single player to interact with multiple players on consoles or via the game’s companion app. Every new copy of Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag includes the Uplay Passport code needed to unlock this online feature. However, we listen to our community and understand that there are concerns over some players’ ability to access this feature, so we have decided to eliminate the cost of the Uplay Passport for Black Flag. This ensures that everyone will be able to use the companion app, Edward’s Fleet, online multiplayer and available bonus content at no additional cost.

Now, Ubisoft apparently feels that their Uplay service isn’t exactly the best way to go about offering online services to gamers, and has decided to drop the program completely. 

The Uplay Passport program was initiated as a means of giving customers full access and support for online multiplayer and features, along with exclusive content, bonuses and rewards. However, games today are blurring the line between offline and online, between what is “single player” and what is “multiplayer.” Based on that and on the feedback we received from you, we recognized that Passport is no longer the best approach for ensuring that all our customers have the best possible experience with all facets of our games.

It seems that the industry is trying to make honest attempts at listening to the community when it comes to issues like these. Those that loathe Ubisoft’s brand of DRM will probably like this move, but don’t surprised of the publisher decides to try something else.