The Crew’s Shutdown: A Blow to Gaming Ownership

On March 31st, Ubisoft’s racing game, The Crew, came to an unexpected end. Players who attempted to launch the game were met with a splash screen followed by an error message, indicating that the servers had been taken offline. To make matters worse, Ubisoft went a step further by revoking licenses from purchasers and removing the game from their libraries.

The once-beloved game has now been relocated to an ‘Inactive Games’ section in Ubisoft Connect libraries, preventing users from downloading or installing it. Clicking on the entry only displays a message stating, “You no longer have access to this game. Why not check the Store to pursue your adventures?” This move has left players feeling frustrated and cheated out of their purchased game.

While The Crew could be played solo, it heavily relied on online servers to function. With the servers now offline, the game has become unplayable for all, including those who own physical copies. Despite hopes that the community could potentially create fan servers to keep the game alive, the removal of The Crew from player libraries has made this task even more challenging.

When questioned about the game’s closure, Ubisoft referred back to their initial announcement, citing server infrastructure and licensing constraints as the primary reasons for pulling the plug on The Crew. This justification, however, provides little comfort to loyal players who find themselves cut off from a game they once enjoyed.

In light of The Crew’s abrupt shutdown, YouTuber Ross Scott has initiated Stop Killing Games. This movement aims to generate grassroots pressure on governments and regulators to address issues surrounding ownership rights of digital products. The closure of The Crew serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability gamers face when investing in online-only titles.

The Crew’s sudden closure serves as a harsh reminder of the risks associated with digital ownership in the gaming industry. Players who poured time and money into the game now find themselves in a state of limbo, unable to access a product they rightfully purchased. Ubisoft’s decision to pull the plug on The Crew highlights the need for a greater conversation around ownership rights and the longevity of online-dependent games.