Ubisoft made the decision to shut down The Crew, a popular racing game, on March 31st. This move left players unable to access the game, as the servers were taken offline. What’s even more concerning is that Ubisoft went a step further by revoking the licenses of purchasers and removing the game from their libraries. This action has left many players frustrated and disappointed, as they can no longer download or install the game that they paid for.
Players who had purchased The Crew found that the game had been moved to an ‘Inactive Games’ section in their Ubisoft Connect libraries. Clicking on the entry only displayed a message stating that they no longer had access to the game, urging them to check the store for other options. This move has raised questions about ownership rights in the digital age, as players are left without any recourse when a company decides to shut down a game and remove it from their library.
The closure of The Crew has highlighted the issue of ownership rights in the gaming industry. The game, which relied on online servers to operate, is now unplayable for everyone, regardless of whether they own a physical copy. This raises concerns about the future of digital ownership, as players are at the mercy of companies who can revoke access to games at any time. The possibility of fan servers to keep the game alive has also been hindered by Ubisoft’s decision to remove it from player libraries.
In response to The Crew’s closure, YouTuber Ross Scott has launched Stop Killing Games, an initiative aimed at pressuring governments and regulators to address ownership rights over digital products. This move highlights the need for players to advocate for their rights in an industry that is constantly evolving. The closure of The Crew serves as a wake-up call for players to push for more transparency and accountability from companies regarding ownership rights.
The closure of The Crew by Ubisoft has raised significant concerns about ownership rights in the gaming industry. Players are now faced with the harsh reality that companies can shut down games and remove them from libraries, leaving them with no way to access the content they paid for. This issue calls for greater advocacy and awareness among players to ensure that their rights are protected in the ever-changing landscape of digital entertainment.
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