In a surprising turn of events, Ubisoft has been gradually reintegrating its games into the Steam ecosystem. Recently, the company added achievements to several older titles, including Watch Dogs 2 and Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. Now, they have extended this trend to the original Assassin’s Creed 3 from 2012, despite the fact that this version is no longer available for purchase on Steam. Meanwhile, the remastered edition of the game remains achievement-free for now. This move has raised eyebrows among players who follow such developments closely. Additionally, Ubisoft has introduced achievements to Assassin’s Creed: Liberation HD, a title that was originally exclusive to the Vita but later ported to other platforms. Despite some peculiar choices, these updates are generally seen as positive by gamers who enjoy collecting achievements.

The Curious Case of Outdated Game Updates

Ubisoft's decision to add achievements to the original Assassin’s Creed 3, a game no longer available for purchase on Steam, has sparked curiosity. Only those who bought the game before it was removed can now unlock these new milestones. The studio acknowledges this in their update notes, promising future support for the remastered version. This choice seems counterintuitive at first glance, as it benefits a niche group of players while leaving others waiting. However, it reflects a complex corporate strategy that may have deeper reasoning behind it.

This unconventional approach raises questions about the priorities driving Ubisoft's decisions. While adding features to an unavailable product might seem odd, it could be part of a broader plan to engage with existing player communities. For instance, rewarding loyal fans who purchased the original game can foster goodwill and encourage continued support for future releases. Moreover, the inclusion of achievements in the original Assassin’s Creed 3 highlights Ubisoft's commitment to maintaining legacy content, even if it means focusing on less accessible versions. Ultimately, this move serves as a reminder that sometimes, catering to a dedicated fanbase can take precedence over immediate commercial considerations.

New Milestones for Longtime Fans

Alongside the original Assassin’s Creed 3, Ubisoft has also introduced achievements to Assassin’s Creed: Liberation HD, a title that remains available for purchase. Players who already own the game will automatically receive all previously earned achievements upon launching the updated version. This ensures that long-time fans do not lose progress and can continue to enjoy the enhanced experience without starting over. The addition of these milestones adds a layer of engagement and satisfaction for those who appreciate tracking their accomplishments within the game.

The introduction of achievements to these older titles underscores Ubisoft's effort to enhance the overall gaming experience. By providing additional content and rewards, the company aims to keep players engaged and invested in their catalog. For many, the dopamine rush of unlocking an achievement is a significant motivator. Furthermore, Ubisoft’s decision to prioritize these updates demonstrates a willingness to listen to community feedback and adapt accordingly. While some may argue that removing the need for Ubisoft Connect would be more beneficial, the current focus on achievements shows a clear commitment to improving user satisfaction. In the end, these updates serve as a testament to Ubisoft's ongoing dedication to enhancing its games, regardless of their age or availability status.