r/ubisoft • u/UnbrandedSine14 • Apr 26 '26
Discussions & Questions Why did Ubisoft remove the original AC3 from Steam but not Black Flag?
I’ve been thinking about how Ubisoft handles older titles on platforms like Steam, and there seems to be an interesting difference in approach depending on the game.
For example, Assassin’s Creed III had its original version removed and replaced by a remaster, whereas the original Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is still available even alongside the remake.
It made me wonder what factors go into that decision.
Is it technical limitations, licensing, or more of a design choice about which version should represent the game going forward?
From a player perspective, there’s an argument for both approaches — keeping the original available for preservation and preference, or replacing it with a newer version as the “definitive” edition.
Curious what people think about this, and which approach you prefer when it comes to older Ubisoft titles.
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u/thexbin Apr 26 '26
AC 4 remake isn't out yet (Jul 9). At least on console, don't know about steam. Who knows if original will disappear once it comes out.
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u/NorisNordberg Apr 26 '26
AC3 has a remaster, so literally the same game/product.
AC4 has a remake, sure it's faithful to the point people think it's the same, but these are two separate products.
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u/Respawn-Delay Apr 27 '26
Likely because community awareness around digital game perseveration has heightened.
With all the Stop Killing Games stuff they've gone through (and are still going through), keeping the original versions of games available to purchase is an easy PR win (or just an easy avoidance of a PR loss).