Recently, the UK government has faced a petition urging for “government intervention” to ensure that video game companies maintain their games in a playable state even after the cessation of support. The catalyst for this petition was the closure of Ubisoft’s ten-year-old racing game, The Crew, which left players unable to access the game due to the lack of offline mode. In response, the government clarified that while there is no legal obligation for companies to support older versions of their games, they must adhere to consumer protection laws such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
The government emphasized that digital content, like video games, should be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described by the seller. The Consumer Rights Act states that a product should meet the standards that a reasonable person would expect, considering factors such as the price and description provided. However, the issue of game obsolescence only arises if the product fails to meet the expectations set by the seller, especially in terms of long-term playability.
While the petition raises concerns about games becoming unplayable after server shutdowns, it is essential to note that no game is explicitly advertised as indefinitely playable. The shutdown of online game servers is not uncommon, given the operational costs involved. The closure of The Crew sparked outrage among players, as it was perceived as an unnecessary move by Ubisoft, particularly for a game primarily played in singleplayer mode.
The question arises whether government intervention is the right approach to addressing the issue of game preservation. While it is distressing to see beloved games like The Crew become unplayable, expecting companies to maintain games indefinitely may not be feasible. Instead of government petitions, players could voice their concerns to platforms like GOG.com, where visibility and support for preserving older games could lead to better outcomes.
The debate over government intervention in preserving video games raises important questions about consumer rights, company responsibilities, and industry practices. While the closure of games like The Crew can be disappointing for players, finding a balanced solution that considers the interests of both players and companies is crucial. Rather than relying solely on government regulation, exploring alternative avenues for preserving older games may offer more sustainable solutions in the long run.
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