Ubisoft will make the fight at The Crew gamers suing the company

Ubisoft, the renowned French video game publisher, has recently found itself at the center of a legal storm following the closure of servers for its popular racing game, The Crew. The decision to shut down the servers rendered the game unplayable, sparking outrage among dedicated fans and leading to a class-action lawsuit. Here’s a detailed look at the backstory, the lawsuit, and Ubisoft’s response.

The Backstory: A Decade of Racing Adventures

Released in 2014, The Crew was celebrated for its expansive open-world setting, allowing players to traverse a scaled-down version of the United States. Developed by Ivory Tower and Ubisoft Reflections, the game offered a unique experience with its persistent online environment. Over the years, Ubisoft provided consistent support, but in December 2023, the game was removed from digital storefronts. By April 2024, the servers were officially shut down, marking the end of an era for The Crew.

The Lawsuit: Ownership vs. Licensing

The server shutdown did not sit well with some players, who argued that Ubisoft had misled them into believing they were purchasing ownership rights to the game. The plaintiffs claimed that Ubisoft’s actions violated California consumer protection laws, including false advertising and unfair competition. They pointed to activation codes with expiration dates as far off as 2099 as evidence that the game was expected to remain playable for the foreseeable future.

Ubisoft, however, countered these claims by emphasizing that players were purchasing a limited license to access the game, not ownership rights. The company argued that this licensing model was clearly stated in its terms of use and product packaging. Ubisoft’s legal team described the plaintiffs’ approach as a “kitchen sink” strategy, alleging multiple causes of action without a plausible claim.

Ubisoft’s Response: A Firm Stance

In its motion to dismiss the case that Polygon got to see, Ubisoft reiterated that The Crew was designed as an online-only game with a revocable license. The company stated that it had fulfilled its obligations by providing access to the game for nearly a decade. Ubisoft also highlighted the introduction of offline modes for its newer titles, The Crew 2 and The Crew Motorfest, as a way to address player concerns.

This lawsuit raises important questions about digital ownership in the gaming industry. As more games adopt online-only models, players are increasingly confronted with the reality that their purchases may not guarantee indefinite access. Ubisoft’s stance aligns with industry trends, where digital licenses are becoming the norm.

The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how publishers handle server shutdowns and communicate licensing terms to consumers. For now, the case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding digital ownership and the evolving relationship between players and publishers.