Ubisoft, a prominent player in the gaming industry, made the decision to close the doors on The Crew, a popular racing game released in 2014. As of March 31st, players attempting to launch the game were greeted with a splash screen followed by an error message, signaling the end of an era for The Crew enthusiasts. The servers that once powered the multiplayer capabilities of the game have now been taken offline, rendering the game unplayable for all.
In a move that has sparked outrage among the gaming community, Ubisoft has gone a step further by revoking the licenses of those who purchased The Crew and removing it from their game libraries. The game has been transferred to an ‘Inactive Games’ section within Ubisoft Connect, making it impossible for players to download or install the game. Instead, they are met with a message stating, “You no longer have access to this game. Why not check the Store to pursue your adventures?” This action by Ubisoft raises concerns about players’ rights to access and play the games they have paid for.
The closure of The Crew has left many players devastated, as the game was a beloved title that relied heavily on online servers to function. With these servers now offline, even players with physical copies of the game are unable to enjoy it. The removal of The Crew from player libraries has dashed hopes of potential solutions, such as the creation of fan servers, to keep the game alive. This move by Ubisoft has not only alienated loyal fans but has also raised questions about the longevity of other online-dependent games in the company’s catalog.
In response to the closure of The Crew and similar instances of game shutdowns, YouTuber Ross Scott has launched the Stop Killing Games initiative. This grassroots effort aims to draw attention to the issue of game closures and the impact they have on players. By advocating for changes in government regulations and ownership rights over digital products, Scott hopes to prevent future instances of beloved games being unceremoniously pulled from player libraries.
Overall, Ubisoft’s decision to close The Crew and revoke player licenses has left a sour taste in the mouths of many gamers. The lack of transparency and consideration for player investment in the game has highlighted the need for stricter regulations surrounding digital products and ownership rights in the gaming industry. As players continue to voice their discontent, it remains to be seen how companies like Ubisoft will respond to the growing backlash against such actions.