Ubisoft Faces Backlash for Removing ‘The Crew’ from Libraries, Sparking Digital Ownership Debate
Ubisoft has stirred controversy among gamers after discontinuing access to its online-only racing game, The Crew, reigniting debates over digital ownership rights. As of April 1, players found themselves unable to play the game, with Ubisoft Connect displaying a message stating, “You no longer have access to this game.”
The move by Ubisoft has left some players feeling cheated, as they claim the publisher revoked their licenses to even launch the game through Ubisoft Connect. While Ubisoft argues that the game’s reliance on servers that no longer exist renders it effectively useless, players argue that they rightfully purchased the game and should maintain access to it.
The situation has drawn attention to the precarious nature of digital ownership, with many gamers expressing frustration over the lack of control they have over their purchased content. Some had hoped to keep The Crew alive through private servers, but with access to the game’s files now restricted, those aspirations seem dashed.
The incident has sparked heated discussions on online forums, with gamers calling for greater legal protections to ensure lifetime access to purchased games. Concerns have been raised about the increasing trend towards digital downloads in gaming and the potential for publishers to revoke access to purchased content at any time.
Campaigns such as “Stop Killing Games” have emerged in response to these concerns, highlighting the need for greater transparency and consumer rights in the digital gaming landscape. As the debate over digital ownership continues to unfold, gamers are left grappling with questions about the future of their gaming libraries and the broader implications for preservation efforts.
