With EA selling its own games via Origin, it was only a matter of time for Ubisoft to follow suit and try to enter the digital distribution business.

The french publisher had already something in place with Uplay, so they simply created Uplay PC, that now will directly compete against Origin and Steam with its own client and sales.

The first promotional sale, by the way, isn't exactly a light weight. Starting today you will be able to purchase four games on the platform for $1 (or €1 and £1, depending on where you live). Today the game for sale is Hawx 2. Tomorrow the promotion will involve From Dust, on the 18th there'll be Silent Hunter 5 and on the 19th Driver: San Francisco will close the dances.

Can't say Ubisoft is being subtle, but this is the demonstration of what I always said. The more digital distribution platforms try to compete with the Steam mammoth, the better it will be for consumers, that will get more sales and perks, possibly forcing Steam itself to step up its game in order to keep the competitive edge in turn.