“Ubisoft Responds to Player Lawsuit Over The Crew Shutdown: Did You Really Think You’d Own the Game Forever?” | VGC

Ubisoft’s stance on game ownership continues to spark debate among players. Recently, the company reiterated its position that buying video games doesn’t guarantee players permanent access. This conversation gained urgency after Ubisoft announced it would shut down The Crew, an online-only game, with its last day set for April 2024.

The closure follows a decade of support for The Crew, but Ubisoft cited issues like server maintenance and licensing as the reasons behind the shutdown. They explained, "After almost a decade of support, we will be decommissioning The Crew 1 on March 31, 2024." This decision disappointed many fans who still enjoyed the game.

In response, two players have taken Ubisoft to court, claiming the company violates California consumer laws. They argue that Ubisoft misled customers into thinking they were buying the game rather than receiving a limited license to access it. The lawsuit highlights concerns that the physical discs and digital downloads were more like keys to a server that Ubisoft could choose to shut down.

Ubisoft is now fighting to dismiss the lawsuit, maintaining that players shouldn’t have expected eternal ownership, even with a physical copy. Their legal team argued that the plaintiffs’ claims are unwarranted, insisting players had no reason to assume they owned the game outright.

In a twist, the plaintiffs cited a promotional offer that featured activation codes with an expiry date of 2099. They allege this suggests long-term access, which they claim violates California law regarding gift cards, as they argue the in-game currency should be classified as such.

In recent updates, Ubisoft has faced backlash from fans. After receiving complaints, they announced plans to introduce offline modes for The Crew 2 and The Crew: Motorfest. Stéphane Beley, a senior creative director at Ubisoft, acknowledged players’ concerns and expressed commitment to finding solutions for long-term access to these titles.

This situation reflects a broader trend in gaming, where more titles are designed as online services rather than traditional purchases. A recent survey highlighted that 73% of gamers prefer owning games outright, yet many popular titles now operate on a subscription or temporary access model. This shift raises critical questions about what ownership means in the context of modern video games.

As the industry evolves, the conversation about ownership rights and responsibilities will likely grow louder. Players demand transparency and fairness, while companies navigate the complexities of licensing and digital distribution.

For anyone looking to dive deeper into this topic, studies from the Entertainment Software Association provide valuable insights on gaming trends and player preferences, shedding light on the ongoing conversation around game ownership and access.

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