A Ubisoft insider has reportedly revealed that the company has approached Valve to request reduced visibility of player count statistics. Concurrent player numbers, often viewed as a critical metric in the gaming industry, particularly for online titles reliant on active communities, have become a focal point for players and analysts. While these figures can be a valuable resource for gamers, Ubisoft may see potential long-term benefits in limiting their accessibility.

In recent years, many gaming companies have adopted a more guarded approach to releasing data about their products. While fluctuations in stock prices can offer a general sense of a company’s performance, detailed insights such as sales figures and player activity are often withheld, varying by publisher and game. Square Enix, for example, has faced challenges this year and has opted to remain vague about the sales performance of major titles like Final Fantasy XVI. Similarly, Ubisoft has experienced setbacks in 2024, which may be prompting its leadership to seek tighter control over public perception of its data.

A report from MP1ST, citing sources at Fandom Pulse, claims that Ubisoft has asked Valve to limit public access to concurrent player counts for games on Steam. Allegedly, Ubisoft executives are dissatisfied with how these numbers are frequently interpreted by gamers and media outlets, sometimes as indicators of a title’s overall success. The company reportedly wants to manage these narratives more carefully, particularly to present a stronger image to investors who might otherwise be dissuaded by unfavorable data. According to the insider, Ubisoft isn’t alone in this effort, as other publishers have made similar requests to Valve to conceal such statistics.