Update:
Ubisoft has released a statement denying that it’s revoking access to the game entirely. Those who own Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD will continue to have access.
Original story:
An update on Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD‘s Steam page has sparked widespread condemnation from the gaming community. It appears that the game, which was reportedly on sale on the platform recently, has not only been delisted at publisher Ubisoft’s request but it’ll also become inaccessible to owners come September. This is an unusual move, and one that has particularly concerned those who own Ubisoft games digitally on consoles and PC both.
What’s going on with Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD?
Ubisoft recently announced that it’s shutting down online services for over a dozen older games including Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD. PC players were additionally told that they won’t be able to install or access DLC that they’ve previously purchased for some of the games – a move that also sparked backlash. But this Steam update took many by surprise because it takes the entire game away.
“At the request of the publisher, Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD is no longer available for sale on Steam,” the Steam notice reads. “Please note this title will not be accessible following September 1st, 2022.”
Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD is a 2014 console and PC spin-off of Assassin’s Creed 3. It originally released in 2012 for the PS Vita. In 2019, a remastered version of Liberation was bundled with Assassin’s Creed 3 Remastered. Now, it appears that PC players will only be able to access the game by purchasing the 2019 bundle.
It’s unclear why Ubisoft decided to revoke owners’ access to the game entirely. However, the move has caused concern among both console and PC players especially those who own much of their Ubisoft library digitally.
Ubisoft has yet to comment on the backlash and/or explain its decision.
In other news, Alan Wake 2’s story is so big that it’s apparently a “monster,” and The Last of Us 1 remake dev has taken issue with “cash grab” criticisms.
