The world of PC gaming has become increasingly complex, with multiple platforms and services vying for our attention. Two of the most popular platforms are Steam and Uplay, both of which offer a vast library of games to players. However, when it comes to installing Uplay games on Steam, things can get a bit confusing. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Uplay games on Steam and explore where they are installed.
Understanding Uplay and Steam Integration
Before we dive into the installation location of Uplay games on Steam, it’s essential to understand how the two platforms integrate. Uplay is a digital distribution platform developed by Ubisoft, one of the largest game developers in the world. Steam, on the other hand, is a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation. While both platforms offer a wide range of games, they have different architectures and requirements.
In 2012, Ubisoft announced that it would be integrating Uplay with Steam, allowing players to purchase and play Uplay games directly through the Steam client. This integration enabled players to access their Uplay games from within Steam, making it easier to manage their game libraries.
How Uplay Games are Installed on Steam
When you purchase a Uplay game on Steam, it’s not actually installed through the Steam client. Instead, the game is installed through the Uplay client, which is downloaded and installed separately. This means that Uplay games are not stored in the same location as your Steam games.
So, where are Uplay games installed on Steam? The answer lies in the Uplay client’s installation directory. By default, the Uplay client installs games in the following location:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher\games
However, this location can vary depending on your system configuration and the installation options you choose.
Custom Installation Locations
If you prefer to install your Uplay games in a different location, you can do so by changing the installation directory during the installation process. To do this, follow these steps:
- Launch the Uplay client and navigate to the game’s installation page.
- Click on the “Install” button to begin the installation process.
- In the installation wizard, click on the “Change” button next to the installation location.
- Select the desired installation location and click “OK” to continue with the installation.
Keep in mind that changing the installation location may affect the game’s performance and compatibility with other Uplay games.
Managing Uplay Games on Steam
While Uplay games are installed through the Uplay client, they can still be managed through the Steam client. Here are a few things you can do to manage your Uplay games on Steam:
- Launch Uplay games from Steam: You can launch your Uplay games directly from the Steam client by clicking on the “Play” button.
- View Uplay game details: You can view detailed information about your Uplay games, including system requirements and game descriptions, by clicking on the “View game details” button.
- Update Uplay games: You can update your Uplay games through the Steam client by clicking on the “Update” button.
Uninstalling Uplay Games on Steam
If you need to uninstall a Uplay game on Steam, you can do so by following these steps:
- Launch the Steam client and navigate to the game’s page.
- Click on the “Uninstall” button to begin the uninstallation process.
- Confirm that you want to uninstall the game by clicking “OK” in the uninstallation wizard.
Keep in mind that uninstalling a Uplay game on Steam will not remove the game’s installation files from your system. To completely remove the game’s installation files, you’ll need to uninstall the game through the Uplay client.
Uninstalling Uplay Games through the Uplay Client
To uninstall a Uplay game through the Uplay client, follow these steps:
- Launch the Uplay client and navigate to the game’s page.
- Click on the “Uninstall” button to begin the uninstallation process.
- Confirm that you want to uninstall the game by clicking “OK” in the uninstallation wizard.
Uninstalling a Uplay game through the Uplay client will completely remove the game’s installation files from your system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Uplay games installed on Steam are not stored in the same location as your Steam games. Instead, they are installed through the Uplay client and stored in a separate location. By understanding how Uplay games are installed and managed on Steam, you can better manage your game library and ensure that your games are running smoothly.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, it’s essential to understand the intricacies of digital distribution platforms like Steam and Uplay. By taking the time to learn about these platforms, you can get the most out of your gaming experience and enjoy your favorite games without any hassle.
| Platform | Installation Location |
|---|---|
| Steam | C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common |
| Uplay | C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher\games |
By comparing the installation locations of Steam and Uplay games, you can see that they are stored in different locations. This is because Steam and Uplay have different architectures and requirements, which affect how games are installed and managed on each platform.
In summary, Uplay games installed on Steam are stored in a separate location from your Steam games, and can be managed through both the Steam client and the Uplay client. By understanding how Uplay games are installed and managed on Steam, you can better manage your game library and enjoy your favorite games without any hassle.
What is Uplay and how does it relate to Steam?
Uplay is a digital distribution platform developed by Ubisoft, a French multinational video game developer and publisher. It allows users to purchase and download games, as well as connect with other players and access various features such as cloud saves and achievements. Uplay is often used in conjunction with Steam, another popular digital distribution platform, to deliver Ubisoft games to a wider audience.
When a Ubisoft game is purchased on Steam, it may also require the Uplay client to be installed and running in order to play the game. This can sometimes cause confusion among users, as they may not be aware that Uplay is also being installed on their system. However, the Uplay client is generally required to authenticate the game and provide access to its online features.
Where are Uplay games installed on Steam?
Uplay games installed on Steam are typically stored in the Steam directory, which is usually located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common on Windows systems. However, the actual game files may be stored in a subdirectory with a name that corresponds to the game’s title or a unique identifier.
Within this subdirectory, you may find additional folders and files that are specific to the Uplay client, such as the Uplay launcher executable and various configuration files. These files are used by the Uplay client to manage the game and provide access to its online features. It’s worth noting that the exact location of the game files may vary depending on the specific game and the user’s system configuration.
How do I access Uplay games installed on Steam?
To access Uplay games installed on Steam, you can simply launch the game from the Steam client, just as you would with any other Steam game. The Uplay client will automatically launch and authenticate the game, allowing you to access its online features and play the game as usual.
Alternatively, you can also launch the Uplay client directly and access your games from within the Uplay interface. To do this, you can search for the Uplay client in your Start menu (on Windows) or Applications folder (on Mac), and launch it from there. Once the Uplay client is running, you can select the game you want to play and launch it from within the Uplay interface.
Can I uninstall Uplay games from Steam?
Yes, you can uninstall Uplay games from Steam, just as you would with any other Steam game. To do this, simply right-click on the game in your Steam library and select “Uninstall” from the context menu. This will remove the game from your system, including any associated Uplay files and configuration data.
However, it’s worth noting that uninstalling a Uplay game from Steam may not completely remove all Uplay-related files and data from your system. You may need to manually delete any remaining Uplay files or configuration data in order to completely remove the game and its associated Uplay components.
Do I need to keep the Uplay client installed to play Uplay games on Steam?
Yes, you will typically need to keep the Uplay client installed on your system in order to play Uplay games on Steam. The Uplay client is required to authenticate the game and provide access to its online features, so uninstalling the Uplay client may prevent you from playing the game.
However, it’s worth noting that some Ubisoft games may not require the Uplay client to be installed in order to play the game in offline mode. In these cases, you may be able to play the game without the Uplay client, but you will not have access to the game’s online features or multiplayer mode.
Can I move Uplay games installed on Steam to a different directory?
Yes, you can move Uplay games installed on Steam to a different directory, but this may require some manual configuration and may not always be supported by the game or the Uplay client. To move a Uplay game to a different directory, you can try copying the game’s files to the new location and then updating the game’s configuration data to point to the new location.
However, it’s worth noting that moving a Uplay game to a different directory may cause issues with the game’s online features or multiplayer mode, so it’s generally recommended to avoid moving games to different directories unless absolutely necessary. If you do need to move a game, it’s a good idea to create a backup of the game’s files and configuration data before making any changes.
How do I troubleshoot issues with Uplay games installed on Steam?
If you encounter issues with a Uplay game installed on Steam, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. First, try restarting the Steam client and the Uplay client to see if this resolves the issue. If the problem persists, you can try verifying the game’s files through the Steam client to ensure that they are intact and up-to-date.
If the issue is related to the Uplay client, you can try reinstalling the Uplay client or updating it to the latest version. You can also try checking the Ubisoft support website for any known issues or troubleshooting guides specific to the game or the Uplay client. If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to contact Ubisoft support directly for further assistance.