The Impact of Government Intervention on Video Game Longevity

The UK government recently responded to a petition calling for “government intervention” to compel the video game industry to ensure that games remain in a playable state even after online support ends. This petition was triggered by the closure of the ten-year-old Ubisoft racing game, The Crew. The government’s response highlighted that there is currently no legal obligation in the UK for software companies to support older versions of their products, including video games. While companies may make decisions based on the high costs of maintaining servers for games with declining user bases, they must still adhere to consumer protection laws such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

According to the government’s response, digital content like video games must meet certain standards, including being of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described by the seller. It is considered a breach of regulations if a product does not meet the standard of quality that a reasonable person would expect, taking into account factors such as price and the information provided by the seller. Furthermore, if consumers are led to believe that a game will remain playable indefinitely, companies may be required to ensure that the game remains technically feasible to play even after the end of physical support.

The closure of The Crew’s servers earlier this year left the game unplayable even in singleplayer mode, leading to a campaign called Stop Killing Games. While some argue for government intervention to prevent forced obsolescence of video games, others question the feasibility of such regulations. The closure of The Crew raises concerns about the nature of online games and the expectations of players regarding game longevity. The lack of an offline mode in The Crew added to the frustration of players, as the game was rendered unplayable due to server infrastructure and licensing constraints rather than player-side issues.

Alternatives to Government Regulation

While the petition calling for government intervention remains open for signatures until October 16th, there are other avenues for addressing the issue of game closures. Rather than relying on government regulation, players can voice their concerns through platforms like GOG.com, where The Crew has a limited number of votes. It is important to consider the complexities of maintaining online games and the evolving nature of the gaming industry when advocating for solutions to the problem of game obsolescence.

The closure of The Crew highlights the challenges of balancing consumer expectations with the realities of maintaining online games. While government intervention may seem like a solution, it is essential to consider the broader implications of such actions on the gaming industry. Players, developers, and regulators must work together to find sustainable approaches to ensure the longevity of video games in an ever-changing digital landscape.