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Ubisoft is testing changes that would remove the requirement for its Ubisoft Connect launcher (formerly Uplay) to open every time a Ubisoft game is launched via Steam. The company describes it as an 'initial step toward a smoother and more streamlined launch experience,' addressing long-standing player frustration with the extra launcher step for games bought on Steam or Epic Games Store. The change reflects broader industry pressure to reduce launcher friction for PC gamers and could set a precedent for other publishers with similar third-party launcher requirements.