Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Header for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown as part of a preview for the game.

Why Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Isn’t on Steam

The Prince of Persia video game series has lain dormant for over a decade. Fortunately, that hiatus ends with the release of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Here’s why Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown isn’t on Steam at launch and when fans can expect the franchise’s return. 

Recommended Videos

Why Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Isn’t on Steam

Header for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown as part of a preview for the game.
The prince attacks a monster

The omission of The Lost Crown from the largest PC online game distributor is an odd one for a franchise that originally began on computers before eventually making its way to home consoles. This conspicuous absence also comes as The Lost Crown will be released simultaneously through a different PC distributor, as well as its five home console ports, in January 2024.

Though the PC version of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown releases simultaneously with the home console versions, the only way to purchase and play the PC version is through the Ubisoft Store. As the publisher of all Prince of Persia games since 2003, Ubisoft maintains that PC players exclusively purchase the game through their own online storefront rather than through one of their competitors. This is done through Ubisoft Connect, which has its own site and downloadable game launcher.

It is currently unclear if this is a timed exclusivity window for Ubisoft, with a potential future release for other online PC game distributors still unknown as it’s an internal strategy rather than one with an outside distribution model. This stands in contrast to exclusivity agreements like the one between publisher Deep Silver and distributor Epic Games, which has brokered a one-year exclusivity window for PC releases to be sold for its first year of release exclusively through the Epic Games Store. If Ubisoft’s exclusivity mirrors other exclusive PC distribution agreements, it will be at least a full year before it appears on platforms like Steam, Epic Games, or GOG.

When Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Will Be Released

Header for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown as part of a preview for the game.
The prince swings as archers fire at him

For those playing Persia of Persia: The Lost Crown on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch, you can dive into the game on January 18, 2024. The game will also be released for PC on Ubisoft Connect on the same date. There have currently been no plans announced to release the game for Steam, the Epic Games Store, or GOG.


The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Sam Stone
Sam Stone
Sam Stone is a longtime entertainment news journalist and columnist, covering everything from movies and television to video games and comic books. Sam also has bylines at CBR, Popverse, Den of Geek, GamesRadar+, and Marvel.com. He's been a freelance contributor with The Escapist since October 2023, during which time he's covered Mortal Kombat, Star Trek, and various other properties. Sam remembers what restful sleep was. But that was a long time ago.