Ubisoft's Subscription Future: A Shift in Game Ownership Mindset

In the digital age of gaming, Ubisoft's Philippe Tremblay has sparked discussion on the future of game subscriptions. The director of subscriptions at Ubisoft highlighted in recent comments that before subscription services can dominate, gamers need to feel comfortable with the concept of not physically owning their games. The comparison is made to the music and film industries, where consumers have largely transitioned from owning CDs and DVDs to embracing streaming services. Gaming subscriptions are expected to follow a similar pattern, with growth already seen on consoles through services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass.

Tremblay suggests that as gamers acclimatize to the idea that their game progress and engagement are not lost even without physical ownership, the subscription model will gain traction. He adds the pairing of streaming with subscriptions offers flexibility to pay only when needed, which could further drive the services' appeal. Despite these comments, a considerable number of players remain resistant, preferring to buy games on-disc, highlighting concerns around game preservation and access longevity.

Recent trends have seen a shift toward digital game sales, but publishers like Ubisoft continue to release games in physical form. Discussions about game preservation have become more pressing, especially when games become inaccessible due to server shutdowns. The console industry's movements towards digital-only versions, as suggested by the Xbox Series X leaks, continue to fuel the physical vs. digital debate.

Are players open to the idea of not owning physical copies of games?n

While many players have adapted to digital ownership, a significant number hold onto the desire for physical copies due to factors like collection, resale value, and preservation concerns. The industry is in transition, with different preferences coexisting in the gaming community.

The 'Prince of Persia' series, which Ubisoft has developed, has long been a beloved franchise since its original release in 1989. Known for innovative gameplay and storytelling, 'Prince of Persia' set a benchmark in the platforming genre and had a profound influence on the action-adventure category with titles like 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.' The series has seen various reboots and iterations, with 'Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown' being the latest to join the storied lineage. However, it seems with the recent discussions, Ubisoft is not only looking forward in terms of their gaming series but also how games are consumed and owned by gamers around the world.