The upcoming Assassin’s Creed episode is not planned for release on Steam for PC players, a detail that was confirmed by Portal after Ubisoft made an official statement. The news matters because it signals a shifting landscape in where players will buy and access the newest adventures in the franchise, and it sets expectations for fans who typically check Steam first when a major PC title launches. In this case, the focus turns to alternate storefronts that are backing the launch strategy and the long term implications for PC gaming ecosystems as a whole. Portal has noted that Ubisoft’s press release explicitly ties the PC version to exclusive distribution channels, which in practice means Steam users will need to look to other options if they want to play at the outset.
The title in question is Assassin’s Creed Mirage, the latest installment in the storied series and a narrative that takes players back to a richly depicted Baghdad in the ninth century. Ubisoft has framed Mirage as a core entry in the franchise, aiming to deliver a compact but highly detailed stealth-action experience grounded in historical ambiance, dense cityscapes, and a narrative arc that emphasizes both personal and political intrigue. The decision to route the PC version through exclusive partners reflects a broader strategy to diversify distribution and align with platforms that provide specific technical advantages, promotional opportunities, or dedicated storefront ecosystems. This move is part of an ongoing trend in the industry where publishers test selective exclusivity to optimize performance across different regions and user groups.
Because the PC edition is not slated for Steam at the initial launch, PC players who rely on Valve’s storefront will need to adjust their plans. It remains unclear whether the exclusivity will be temporary or if a Steam release will follow at a later date, potentially after a window of weeks or months that could influence both pre-orders and early adoption. In practical terms, this means that Steam-specific users might be required to acquire the game from the Epic Games Store or Ubisoft Store during the first phase of availability, subject to the terms and timing set by the publisher. The length of any exclusivity window will matter to a broad audience of players who weigh convenience, loyalty to a platform, and value when making a purchase decision.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is scheduled for a release on October 12 and will be playable across multiple generations of PlayStation and Xbox consoles, as well as on PC. Specifically, players on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X and S will be able to experience the game at launch, with PC players gaining access through the dedicated storefronts mentioned above. The setting in Baghdad and the focus on stealth, parkour-inspired traversal, and intricate mission design are designed to appeal to long-time fans and newcomers alike, offering a dense, story-driven experience with a strong historical flavor. The game’s production values, world-building, and voice acting work together to immerse players in a city that feels alive and historically grounded.
In related discussions, Mirage has been noted for its Arabic voiceover work, a decision that has been celebrated for enhancing authenticity and emotional resonance within the storytelling. This localization effort is part of Ubisoft’s broader commitment to delivering accessible and culturally rich content across diverse regions, reinforcing the franchise’s appeal to a global audience while maintaining strong ties to its Middle Eastern setting. The collaboration behind the localized dialogue underscores a growing expectation that major releases will support varied linguistic options to accommodate players around the world, including those in Canada and the United States who value authentic, locally resonant performances.