Ubisoft in Hot Water: Gamers Sue Over Shutdown of The Crew Servers

In a groundbreaking legal move, two California gamers have taken Ubisoft to court following the company’s controversial decision to shut down servers for its 2014 title, The Crew. This open-world racing game, which gained popularity on platforms like PS4 and Xbox One, is now left unplayable—much to the dismay of its loyal fanbase.

The Controversy

Originally designed as an always-online multiplayer experience, The Crew enjoyed notable success, leading to the release of two sequels: The Crew 2 and Crew: Motorfest. However, in December 2023, Ubisoft made the shocking announcement that it would delist the original game from digital marketplaces, and by April 2024, the servers were completely taken offline. This abrupt shutdown means that even owners of physical copies can no longer enjoy the game, invoking feelings of betrayal among fans.

The Lawsuit

As reported by Polygon, the lawsuit was filed on November 4 by plaintiffs Matthew Cassell and Alan Liu in federal court. They accuse Ubisoft of misleading consumers by selling a game that essentially operates under a temporary license rather than a full purchase—what they describe as “renting” a game rather than owning it. Furthermore, the lawsuit highlights Ubisoft's decision not to allow any offline play mode for the single-player aspects of The Crew, which they argue exacerbates the unfairness of the situation.

Class Action Suit

The plaintiffs are pushing for the court to recognize their case as a class action suit, aiming to include other affected players and seek monetary compensation for the losses incurred due to the shutdown of The Crew’s servers. Their lawsuit paints a vivid analogy: “Imagine you buy a pinball machine, only to find one day that everything inside has been removed, and you can no longer play.” This metaphor poignantly encapsulates the emotional and financial impact felt by those who supported the game.

Broader Implications

The backlash against Ubisoft ignited a broader conversation around the ethics of online gaming. As gaming enthusiasts voice their frustrations online, they are rallying for a shift in how companies handle digital products that rely on server support. Notably, a grassroots movement is currently gathering signatures to prompt legislation in the European Union aimed at preventing such practices.

New Legislation

Moreover, in response to outrage from the gaming community, California has introduced a new law addressing consumer rights in the gaming world. This legislation emphasizes that customers are often merely purchasing a license rather than true ownership of a game, which can be revoked by the publisher at any time.

Future of The Crew Franchise

Interestingly, just a month prior to the lawsuit, Ubisoft had announced plans for The Crew 2 and Motorfest to include offline modes, enabling players to continue enjoying those titles after potential server shutdowns. Many are left questioning the timing of this announcement—was it a desperate attempt to regain consumer trust?

Conclusion

As the lawsuit unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Ubisoft will be held accountable for its decisions regarding The Crew. It’s a significant turning point that not only impacts the players involved but could set a precedent for how publishers handle digital content in the future. Keep an eye on this developing story, as it could reshape the gaming landscape as we know it!