We learned recently that Ubisoft will deactivate several online services for older titles by the end of the third quarter of 2022. To see the list of decommissioning of online services, check out Ubisoft's support article on the topic. Ubisoft supports its decision to close older services with the following statement:
Closing the online services for some older games allows us to focus our resources on delivering great experiences for players who are playing newer or more popular titles.
So, what does this look like? For starters, you can say goodbye to services like being unable to play multiplayer modes, not being able to access online features, not being able to link to Ubisoft accounts in the game, installing and accessing previously purchased DLC, and access to rewards within the Ubisoft Connect client.
Closing down servers and legacy game infrastructure is nothing new in the gaming world. Still, it stings not to be able to play with certain features, rewards, and DLC originally given with purchase, even at full price.
But then you realize that this has higher implications. Take, for instance, the stand-alone purchase of Assassin's Creed Liberation HD. Not only will this title be removed from Steam at the publisher's request, but it appears that you will no longer be able to access it.
Ubisoft is making a precedent on Steam as Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD will not be accessible following September 1st, 2022. Even if you already bought it, a bar new low for consumers. pic.twitter.com/hRmmb2yM3w
— Nors3.eth (@Nors3) July 10, 2022
The full notices on the sales page read:
At the request of the publisher, Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD is no longer available for sale on Steam.
Please note that this title will not be accessible following September 1, 2022.
There are players out there who say this title comes free with Assassin’s Creed III Remastered, but this isn't really the main issue here.
This is just a further reminder of the dangers of games as a service and cloud gaming. Not only do you lose access to the game you have grown to enjoy, but you also lose all stats, status, rewards, DLC, and money spent as well.
To get the complete list of Multiplayer and Online Services Availability in Ubisoft Games, be sure to also check out Ubisoft's support article on the subject.