Basim showing off his hidden blade in front of the Bagdad cityscape.Ubisoft is bringing Assassin’s Creed Mirage to Steam, signifying a shift in their PC game distribution strategy after years of focusing on the Epic Games Store and their own platform. The release coincides with the game’s one-year anniversary on October 5th.
The announcement came via Ubisoft’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming the Steam launch and directing players to the now-live store page where they can add Mirage to their wishlist. While the game can be played without a separate Ubisoft Connect download, a Ubisoft Connect Launcher account is still required.
Mirage delves into the backstory of Basim, a character first introduced in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Players follow Basim’s journey of self-discovery as he hones his skills to become an assassin. Unlike recent installments, Mirage offers a more contained experience, harking back to the stealth-focused gameplay that defined the series before Origins.
Revisiting the Roots of Assassin’s Creed
Assassin’s Creed Mirage was intended as a return to the series’ classic formula, focusing on stealth and a smaller, more narrative-driven experience. The game takes place in 9th-century Baghdad, offering a vibrant and detailed historical setting. Basim’s journey of self-discovery and training serves as the central narrative thread.
A Critical Look at Mirage
While Mirage attempts to recapture the classic Assassin’s Creed experience, MaagX’s own Tomas Franzese, in his review, noted that it falls short of revitalizing the series. He pointed out that while the game goes through the motions of a classic Assassin’s Creed title, it lacks the innovation and passion needed to make it truly memorable.
Ubisoft’s Shift in Strategy and the Future of Assassin’s Creed
The Steam release of Mirage marks a significant change in Ubisoft’s approach. This shift comes after the less-than-expected sales of Star Wars Outlaws and a subsequent executive announcement outlining strategic adjustments. In addition to returning to day-one Steam releases, Ubisoft is also moving away from the season pass model for upcoming titles. This change, along with the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows from November 2024 to February 2025, suggests a renewed focus on quality and player experience. The delay, according to Ubisoft, aims to allow developers more time to polish and refine Shadows.
Conclusion: A New Path for Ubisoft and Assassin’s Creed?
The arrival of Assassin’s Creed Mirage on Steam marks a potential turning point for Ubisoft. This move, coupled with the strategic changes in release models and development timelines, suggests a commitment to refining the player experience. While Mirage itself might not have fully revitalized the Assassin’s Creed formula, it represents a step back towards the series’ roots, and its Steam release signals a broader shift in Ubisoft’s approach to PC gaming. The future of the franchise remains to be seen, but with these changes, Ubisoft appears to be charting a new course, prioritizing player satisfaction and a return to core values.
