Is Prince Of Persia The Lost Crown On Steam? [Latest Update]

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a new action-adventure platformer game set in a mythological Persian world, developed by Ubisoft Montpellier. The game is scheduled to release on January 18, 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. However, many PC gamers are wondering if the game will be available on Steam, the most popular digital distribution platform for PC games. The answer is no, at least not at launch. The game is an Epic Games Store exclusive, meaning that it can only be purchased and played on PC through the Epic Games Store. However, there are some ways to play the game on Steam Deck, the upcoming handheld gaming device from Valve that runs on a modified version of SteamOS. In this article, we will explore the options for playing Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown on Steam Deck, as well as the reasons why the game is not on Steam, and the latest updates and news on the game.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown availability on Steam Deck

Steam Deck is a portable PC gaming device that allows users to access their Steam library and play games on the go. The device is expected to launch in February 2024, and it has three models with different storage capacities and prices. Steam Deck runs on a custom Linux-based operating system called SteamOS, which is designed to optimize performance and compatibility for gaming. However, SteamOS does not support all games that are available on Steam, especially those that require Windows or other platforms. Therefore, users may need to use alternative methods to play some games on Steam Deck, such as cloud gaming, remote play, or dual-booting.

Simplest method: Epic Games Store + Heroic Games Launcher

The simplest way to play Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown on Steam Deck is to install the Epic Games Store on the device, and then use a third-party launcher called Heroic Games Launcher. Heroic Games Launcher is an open-source launcher for Linux that allows users to launch and manage games from the Epic Games Store. It also supports features such as cloud saves, achievements, and offline mode. To use this method, users need to follow these steps:

Install the Epic Games Store on Steam Deck using the built-in web browser or a USB drive.
Log in to the Epic Games Store account and purchase Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.
Install Heroic Games Launcher on Steam Deck using the terminal or a USB drive.
Log in to Heroic Games Launcher using the same Epic Games Store account.
Launch Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown from Heroic Games Launcher and enjoy the game.

This method is the easiest and most convenient way to play the game on Steam Deck, as it does not require any additional software or hardware. However, it has some drawbacks, such as:

Users will not be able to access Steam features such as Steam Overlay, Steam Controller, Steam Achievements, Steam Cloud, and Steam Friends while playing the game.
Users will not be able to use Steam refunds or reviews for the game, as it is purchased from a different platform.
Users will need to have enough storage space on Steam Deck to install both the Epic Games Store and the game, which may be an issue for the lower-end models.

Adding Ubisoft Connect to Steam Deck

Another way to play Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown on Steam Deck is to add Ubisoft Connect to the device, and then launch the game from there. Ubisoft Connect is a digital distribution and social platform for Ubisoft games, which allows users to access their Ubisoft library, rewards, and friends across different devices and platforms. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a Ubisoft game, which means that it requires Ubisoft Connect to run, even if it is purchased from the Epic Games Store. Therefore, users can use Ubisoft Connect to play the game on Steam Deck, as long as they have a Ubisoft account and the game is linked to it. To use this method, users need to follow these steps:

Install Ubisoft Connect on Steam Deck using the built-in web browser or a USB drive.
Log in to Ubisoft Connect using a Ubisoft account that has Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown linked to it. If the game is purchased from the Epic Games Store, users need to link their Epic Games Store account and Ubisoft account first.
Launch Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown from Ubisoft Connect and enjoy the game.

This method is slightly more complicated than the previous one, as it requires an extra step of linking accounts. However, it has some advantages, such as:

Users will be able to access Ubisoft Connect features such as Ubisoft Club, Ubisoft Rewards, Ubisoft Challenges, and Ubisoft Friends while playing the game.
Users will be able to use Ubisoft refunds or reviews for the game, as it is purchased from a Ubisoft platform.
Users will not need to install the Epic Games Store on Steam Deck, which may save some storage space.

Why is Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown not on Steam?

The reason why Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is not on Steam is because it is an Epic Games Store exclusive, meaning that it has a timed exclusivity deal with Epic Games, the company behind the Epic Games Store. This means that the game will only be available on the Epic Games Store for a certain period of time, usually a year, before it can be released on other platforms, such as Steam. The exact duration and terms of the exclusivity deal are not publicly disclosed, but they are usually negotiated between the developers and publishers of the game and Epic Games.

Potential delay due to Epic Games Store benefits

The main reason why developers and publishers choose to make their games exclusive to the Epic Games Store is because of the benefits that Epic Games offers them, such as:

A higher revenue share: Epic Games takes only 12% of the revenue from each game sale, compared to Steam’s 30%. This means that developers and publishers can earn more money from each sale, which can help them fund their development costs and future projects.
A guaranteed minimum income: Epic Games guarantees a certain amount of income for each exclusive game, regardless of how well it sells. This means that developers and publishers can reduce their financial risk and uncertainty, and focus more on making quality games.
A marketing boost: Epic Games provides marketing and promotion support for each exclusive game, such as featuring it on the Epic Games Store homepage, social media, and newsletters. This means that developers and publishers can reach a wider audience and increase their visibility and awareness.

These benefits are very attractive and appealing for developers and publishers, especially for indie and smaller studios, who may not have the resources or reputation to compete with bigger and more established games on Steam. However, these benefits also come with some trade-offs, such as:

A smaller user base: The Epic Games Store has a smaller user base than Steam, which means that exclusive games may have fewer potential customers and lower sales. This may affect the game’s popularity and longevity, as well as the developers’ and publishers’ reputation and credibility.
A lower customer satisfaction: The Epic Games Store has a lower customer satisfaction than Steam, which means that exclusive games may face more criticism and backlash from the PC gaming community. This may affect the game’s ratings and reviews, as well as the developers’ and publishers’ relationship and trust with their fans and customers.
A delayed release on other platforms: The Epic Games Store exclusivity deal prevents exclusive games from being released on other platforms, such as Steam, for a certain period of time. This means that developers and publishers may miss out on the opportunity to reach a larger and more diverse audience, as well as the chance to benefit from the features and services that other platforms offer.

These trade-offs are significant and important, and they may outweigh the benefits for some developers and publishers, who may prefer to release their games on multiple platforms simultaneously, or at least as soon as possible. However, for others, the benefits may be worth the trade-offs, and they may decide to delay their release on other platforms, such as Steam, until the exclusivity deal expires.

Release date updates and news on Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is set to release on January 18, 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. The game is the first new major installment in the Prince of Persia series since 2010’s Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands. The game introduces a new hero named Sargon, a young member of a warrior clan named The Immortals, who must travel to the cursed city of Mount Qaf to rescue the kidnapped Prince Ghassan. The game is heavily inspired by Persian mythology, and features a 2.5D side-scrolling gameplay with acrobatic combat and time-based powers. The game is developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, the studio behind the Rayman series, and features music by Gareth Coker and Iranian-based composer Mentrix.

Free demo now available

A free demo of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is now available on the Epic Games Store, allowing players to try out the game before buying it. The demo includes the first level of the game, where Sargon must escape from the prison of the evil King Zal, and showcases the game’s graphics, gameplay, and music. The demo also includes a bonus feature called the Time Trial, where players can compete with other players online to finish the level as fast as possible.

Digital Adventure Guide: Fariba’s Notebook

Another feature that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown offers is the Digital Adventure Guide, a companion app that provides additional information and content for the game. The app is called Fariba’s Notebook, and it is narrated by Fariba, a mysterious storyteller who guides Sargon on his journey. Fariba’s Notebook contains:

A map of the game world, showing the locations, secrets, and collectibles that Sargon can discover.
A bestiary of the game’s enemies, showing their strengths, weaknesses, and origins.
A lore book of the game’s mythology, history, and culture, explaining the references and inspirations behind the game’s story and setting.
A gallery of the game’s concept art, sketches, and screenshots, showcasing the game’s artistic vision and development process.
A soundtrack of the game’s music, composed by Gareth Coker and Mentrix, featuring a blend of orchestral and Persian instruments and vocals.

Fariba’s Notebook is available for free on iOS and Android devices, and it can be synced with the game via Ubisoft Connect. The app can be used as a second screen while playing the game, or as a standalone experience to explore the game’s world and lore.

Conclusion

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a highly anticipated game that promises to revive the classic Prince of Persia franchise with a new hero, a new story, and a new gameplay style. The game is not available on Steam, but it can be played on Steam Deck using the Epic Games Store or Ubisoft Connect. The game also offers a free demo, a Digital Adventure Guide, and regular updates and news for the fans. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a game that should not be missed by any action-adventure lover, and it is expected to be one of the best games of 2024.