Origin and uplay both use an API for internal functions within their clients, similar to steamworks, for things like friends lists, multiplayer parties, matchmaking, voice chat, achievements, etc. The games need the API through the game client (uplay, origin, steam) to use those functions. So when a game has to launch the launcher to play like that, it’s because it’s using those APIs. It’s not really a scam or anything, it makes sense.
Both origin and uplay have light/unobtrusive modes for their clients to run in in this scenario. If you launch a uplay or origin game it fires up the client in the background, silently, launches the game, and then closes the client after you’re done. It’s really not a big deal.
Mutant Ops is a F2P game on Steam that will cost money starting next week. The dev says that anyone with the current F2P version will be grandfathered into the paid version so grab it now.
Sounds like an interesting mix of genres, too bad I hate card games. I usually look games up on Steam, they have videos, screenshots, reviews, and discussions: Hand of Fate 2 on Steam