Uplay+ launches with a handful of issues and without Anno 1800

Ubisoft is investigating a handful of technical issues that threaten to mar the launch of its new PC subscription service Uplay+.

Announced at E3 in June and launched on Tuesday, Uplay+ provides unlimited access to a back catalogue of over 100 Ubisoft games, plus upcoming releases like Watch Dogs Legion, Ghost Recon Breakpoint and Rainbow Six Quarantine, for $14.99/€14.99/£12.99 per month.

A free trial is also available until September 30, although to sign up you’ll need to provide valid payment card details.

However, multiple known issues are currently preventing some players from accessing Uplay+, including the inability to subscribe due to failed payments, and the inability to activate the service through Uplay.

Other issues currently being investigated include users receiving error messages stating their subscriptions have ended when they attempt to add games to their library, and an invalid link to sign up for the free trial via Ubisoft’s online store.

Ubisoft says credit cards used to sign up for free trials won’t be charged, even if they appear to be, but notes that authorisation requests sent to financial institutions to verify payment methods “may temporarily affect” users’ available account balances.

“Please note that due to the 3D-Secure process you might receive a text message asking you to authenticate your purchase for £1,” it explains. “Rest assured, the billing and charge will remain £0 during the full length of the free trial which ends on September 30th.”

Just remember to cancel before the trial period ends or you’ll automatically be converted to a paid membership plan.

Additionally, Anno 1800 is not currently included with Uplay+ “due to technical reasons”, although Ubisoft says it’s “working to make it available for players as soon as possible”.

Ubisoft hasn’t said how widespread these teething problems are, but VGC has contacted the company for further information, and to find out if it has any plans to extend the free trial period should the launch issues persist.

[UPDATE 04/09: Ubisoft has provided VGC with the following statement: “We know that some people encountered technical issues when they tried to subscribe earlier, and we’d like to thank them for their patience and feedback. We have been working to fix these and will continue to quickly address any remaining issues. They should now be able to complete their subscription and enjoy UPLAY+ for free until September 30th.”

While some of the issues detailed above in the original version of this article have now been resolved, the list of known issues still includes the inability to subscribe to Uplay+ due to multiple errors currently being investigated by Ubisoft. New issues have cropped up too, including some users being unable to cancel their subscription.]

Uplay+ will be available on Stadia in 2020, while Ubisoft hasn’t ruled out launching Uplay+ on consoles.