Amazon Luna and Ubisoft+: A Deep Dive into Cloud Gaming Costs and Cross-Progression
Amazon’s entry into the cloud gaming arena, Luna, has been generating significant buzz, and the recent integration of Ubisoft+ adds another layer of complexity and intrigue. While the promise of playing high-quality games on various devices without the need for expensive hardware is enticing, the pricing structure and long-term strategy are still being deciphered. This article breaks down the details of the Ubisoft+ integration with Luna, comparing it to other cloud gaming services, and exploring the potential implications for gamers.
The initial announcement of Ubisoft+ becoming available on Luna was met with enthusiasm, especially for fans of Ubisoft’s extensive catalog, including titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. However, Amazon initially remained silent on the pricing details for accessing this dedicated Ubisoft game channel. Ubisoft later revealed that access to their library of over 100 games on Luna would cost $15 per month. This price point immediately raised eyebrows, as it mirrors the cost of a standalone Ubisoft+ subscription.
The key distinction lies in the synergy between Luna and Ubisoft+. Existing Ubisoft+ subscribers can link their accounts to Luna, granting them access to the Ubisoft library on Amazon’s cloud gaming platform without incurring an additional fee for the Ubisoft content itself. However, for those new to both services, the total cost to play Ubisoft games on Luna quickly escalates.
Initially, it appeared that users would need both a Luna subscription, priced at $6 per month, and a Ubisoft+ subscription at $15 per month, bringing the total to $21. This would be the cost to play those Ubisoft games on Luna. However, Amazon has since clarified that a Luna subscription is not required to play Ubisoft games on the platform, provided you have an active Ubisoft+ subscription.
This pricing model resembles Amazon’s approach to its Prime Video service, where users can add channels like HBO or Showtime for an additional monthly fee. While a Prime subscription isn’t strictly necessary to use Prime Video, it unlocks a wider range of content and benefits. Similarly, while a Luna subscription isn’t needed to play Ubisoft games if you have Ubisoft+, it might offer access to other games and features within the Luna ecosystem.
The $21 combined cost, if it had been required, would have made Luna one of the more expensive cloud gaming options currently available. GeForce Now offers a premium tier at $5 per month, Stadia Pro is priced at $10 per month, xCloud comes bundled with Game Pass Ultimate at $15 per month, and Shadow, which provides a full virtual PC, also costs $15 per month. What makes Luna stand out, and not in a positive way, is its lack of a la carte purchasing options. Unlike services like Stadia, where you can buy individual games to own and play indefinitely, Luna operates solely on a subscription basis. Once you discontinue your monthly subscription, access to all games, including those accessed through Ubisoft+, is revoked.
The comparison to Prime Video is not perfect, however. Prime Video allows users to purchase or rent individual titles, offering a degree of flexibility that Luna currently lacks. The absence of individual game purchases on Luna might deter some users, particularly those who prefer to own their games rather than rent them.
A particularly compelling development is Ubisoft’s plan to extend Ubisoft+ benefits to Stadia by the end of the year. During a beta period, Ubisoft+ subscribers will be able to play select Ubisoft titles on Stadia without needing a Stadia Pro subscription. This cross-platform integration offers the potential for seamless gameplay across different cloud platforms.
Ubisoft has also stated that linking accounts will enable full cross-progression support for games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla across all platforms. This means that progress made in a game on one platform, such as Luna or Stadia, will be automatically synchronized across all linked platforms. This feature is a significant selling point for gamers who want to enjoy their games on different devices and services without losing their progress.
The long-term implications of this cross-platform strategy remain to be seen. Questions linger about what will happen after the Luna beta period concludes and whether Stadia users who already own Ubisoft games on that platform will be able to access them on Luna. These are important questions that Amazon and Ubisoft need to address to provide clarity to consumers.
The ability to play a single game on multiple cloud gaming platforms without losing progress is an appealing concept. It offers flexibility and convenience for players who want to switch between different devices or services. However, it also highlights the competitive landscape of cloud gaming and encourages users to compare the offerings of different platforms.
Amazon may be leveraging this cross-platform compatibility to showcase the quality and performance of its Luna cloud gaming service. By allowing users to play Ubisoft games on both Luna and Stadia, Amazon can demonstrate how well Luna handles demanding titles and how it compares to its competitors.
Ultimately, the success of Luna and its integration with Ubisoft+ will depend on several factors, including the pricing structure, the game library, the platform’s performance, and the overall user experience. While the initial pricing model raised concerns, Amazon’s clarification regarding the lack of a required Luna subscription for Ubisoft+ subscribers is a welcome development.
As Luna continues to evolve and mature, it will be interesting to see how Amazon addresses the challenges and opportunities in the cloud gaming market. The cross-platform integration with Ubisoft+ is a promising step, but the company needs to provide more clarity on its long-term strategy and address the concerns of potential subscribers.
The cloud gaming landscape is rapidly changing, and Amazon Luna is poised to be a significant player. With ongoing refinements to its service and strategic partnerships like the one with Ubisoft, Luna has the potential to carve out a niche in this exciting new frontier of gaming. As we get our hands on Amazon Luna we are looking forward to seeing what it has to offer.
