March Marks the Exciting Launch of Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Hub

When Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on March 20, it will include a service platform to introduce new and upcoming games.

Named the Animus Hub, Ubisoft states that players can use it to access “Period 2” titles in the series they possess and have already installed. Initially, this applies to Shadows, as well as Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and Assassin’s Creed Origins.

According to Ubisoft, this service is seamlessly integrated into Assassin’s Creed Shadows specifically, and there are currently no plans to release a standalone version. “Period 1” games, or those launched before Origins, are not supported at this time.

In 2022, Ubisoft announced its intention to create a central Assassin’s Creed hub titled Infinity. Enter the Animus Hub, which allows players to access games through a timeline and offers free, unlockable in-game rewards. Although the Hub can be played offline, a connection may be required to access certain features.

Previously, the developers mentioned it would help make the series more discoverable and accessible. This aim seems to be intact, as Ubisoft says the Hub can help “create new opportunities to connect the Assassin’s Creed universe, our Modern Day story, and your favorite Assassin’s Creed titles.”

Launch, Launch, Launch

In previous generations, games had unique launchers if they were exclusively multiplayer and on PC. Over the years, many of these became obsolete and transitioned to storefronts that acted as launchers themselves: your Steam, Battle.net, Origin, and Ubisoft’s own Connect service.

Recent years have seen third-party publishers increasingly deprioritize their own launchers in favor of Steam or the Epic Games Store. It was significant when Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was available on Steam in 2022, for instance, as the franchise (and Ubisoft generally) hadn’t featured on Valve’s platform in years. A similar situation occurred when older Call of Duty titles made their way to Steam, and when Blizzard followed suit with Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV.

Ahead of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s release last year, a new service platform for the franchise was launched, allowing players easier access to specific titles while reducing file sizes associated with annual Warzone updates. Game developer Jackbox has also created a unified game library to simplify access on Steam.

Ubisoft has yet to disclose how the Hub will impact PC users, particularly on Steam. Shadows is set to launch day one on the platform, which may affect anticipated profits, as Ubisoft would owe Steam up to 30 percent for each transaction.

Further information regarding the Animus Hub and its features at launch can be found here.

About the Author