The games can be claimed by logging in to your Ubisoft UPlay account and navigating to the Ubi 30 page. The page will be updated each month to include each new game release. Clicking the “Get the Game Now” button will add the title to your account. You’ll then be able to download it using the UPlay desktop client and start playing.
The games only run on Windows PCs. Mac computers aren’t supported as the UPlay client isn’t available on the platform. Otherwise, the only prerequisite required to take advantage of the offer is a Ubisoft account used to access the company’s “Ubi Club.”
The first game on the list is the well-reviewed Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Released in 2003, the title combines action and adventure elements. You play as an unnamed prince and explore the environments of Persia while engaging in combat activities. The game uses a third-person camera view. In its original review, GameSpot concluded “Do not miss out on the game,” a message that could remain applicable today.
The next title to be released will be announced in mid-July. You’ll only be able to claim the games in the month after they’re first revealed. If you want to collect all seven you’ll need to return to Ubisoft’s website every month until the end of the year.
Ubisoft hasn’t hinted at which titles could be coming up in the future. The company’s extensive back-catalogue should yield something to appeal to every gamer though, letting you try something new without the risk of spending money on something you may not enjoy.
Naturally, there is a reason for Ubisoft to hand games out for free. The titles can only be played through UPlay, its proprietary gaming client that annoys many gamers. Designed primarily as a marketplace for Ubisoft games, UPlay acts as a middleware between the games on your PC and your Ubisoft account. It includes DRM protection to prevent piracy.
By giving games away, Ubisoft can provide an incentive for gamers to start using UPlay, drawing people away from Steam and to its own service. The games won’t come with Steam keys so players will be strictly limited to the UPlay desktop client.
It’s unlikely all the games to be released over the next seven months will appeal to every gamer. Considered as a whole, Ubisoft is giving away a sizeable chunk of its library for free though, giving you a chance to try out titles you’ve always wanted to play or just never got around to purchasing.
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time can be claimed online now by logging in to your UPlay account and heading to Ubisoft’s special 30th anniversary promotional page. Once you’ve added the game to your library it’ll be registered to you forever. The game can then be downloaded and installed on your PC through the standalone UPlay client.
