The controversy surrounding Ubisoft’s decision to shut down servers for the 2014 game “The Crew” has sparked remarkable backlash, particularly from Ross Scott, the creator of the “Freeman’s Mind” series.
This move has led to the initiation of the Stop Killing Games campaign, which aims to prevent video game publishers from rendering games unplayable once they cease support.
Scott’s campaign seeks to leverage France’s strong consumer protection laws to create a ripple effect globally, urging other governments, including the UK, to adopt similar measures.
A petition titled “Require videogame publishers to keep games they have sold in a working state” was launched to this effect. Although it has garnered over 24,000 signatures, it needs 100,000 to be debated in Parliament.
UK Government’s Petition Reply Highlights ‘The Crew’ Rights Violation, Founder Claims
The UK Department for Culture, Media & Sport responded to the petition, stating that while games must comply with consumer law and provide clear information about their operability, there is currently no legal basis requiring companies to maintain older software or systems.
They emphasized that if consumers are led to believe a game will remain playable indefinitely, it should remain technically feasible to play, potentially setting a precedent for future cases.
Scott critiqued the response, noting it sidesteps the core issue of ensuring games remain functional after official support ends. He pointed out that Ubisoft’s lack of transparency about license expirations in “The Crew” violated the spirit of consumer protection laws, as buyers were not informed about the game’s eventual unplayability due to licensing constraints.
Despite the mixed response, Scott sees a glimmer of hope, particularly in the department’s mention of consumer rights and the need for transparency.
He argues that most online-dependent games currently do not inform consumers of their potential shutdown, equating this to gambling due to the uncertainty of the game’s lifespan.
Scott continues to advocate for increased awareness and legal action to protect consumers’ rights. He encourages more signatures on the petition before it closes in October, aiming to push for legislative changes that would hold game publishers accountable for ensuring the longevity and playability of their products.
For more information on how to support the campaign or sign the petition, interested individuals can visit the Stop Killing Games’ official website.
