The once-beloved racing game, The Crew, developed by Ubisoft in 2014, met its demise on March 31st. Players who attempted to launch the game post-closure were met with a splash screen followed by an error message, signaling the end of an era. The reason for this abrupt halt? The servers supporting The Crew were officially shut down by Ubisoft, rendering the game unplayable for all.
In a surprising turn of events, Ubisoft not only took down the servers but also revoked licenses from players who had purchased The Crew. This meant that the game was removed from their libraries, with no option to redownload or install it. Instead, players found The Crew relocated to an ‘Inactive Games’ section in their Ubisoft Connect libraries, with a message stating, “You no longer have access to this game. Why not check the Store to pursue your adventures?”
The repercussions of this sudden closure and license revocation have left many players feeling disenfranchised. The loss of access to a game they paid for raises concerns about the future of digital ownership and rights. Players are now faced with the harsh reality that the games they purchase may not be accessible in the long run, especially if the servers are shut down.
When questioned about the decision to sunset The Crew, Ubisoft referred back to their initial announcement citing server infrastructure and licensing constraints. The company acknowledged the disappointment that players felt but emphasized the necessity of the closure. Despite the explanation, players are left wondering if there could have been a better solution that would allow them to continue enjoying the game they loved.
In response to The Crew’s closure and the broader issue of game shutdowns, YouTuber Ross Scott launched Stop Killing Games. This initiative aims to mobilize grassroots efforts to pressure governments and regulators to address ownership rights over digital products. The hope is that through collective action, players can advocate for policies that protect their investments and ensure continued access to the games they cherish.
The demise of The Crew serves as a cautionary tale for gamers everywhere. It highlights the fragility of digital ownership and the need for greater protection of consumer rights in the gaming industry. As players navigate the evolving landscape of online gaming, it is essential to remain vigilant and advocate for policies that prioritize player interests. The legacy of The Crew may have come to an end, but its impact on the gaming community will be felt for years to come.
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