Ubisoft Claims Players Lack True Ownership Amid The Crew Lawsuit

Ubisoft is addressing a lawsuit regarding the shutdown of its racing game The Crew, asserting that players purchased a "limited license" rather than "unfettered ownership." The game was rendered unplayable after its servers were shut down in March 2024, leading to concerns over consumer rights and game preservation. A lawsuit filed by fans claims many were unaware they were only acquiring a license for the game, which sparked further legal arguments about issues such as the expiration of in-game currency and misleading implications of ownership based on packaging. Ubisoft's lawyers have dismissed the claims as unfounded while players await further responses by the end of April.

As a gamer, your rights primarily depend on the Terms of Service agreed upon when purchasing a game, which typically grants you a limited license to play the game rather than outright ownership. This distinction indicates that the publisher retains control over the game's online features and access, which can lead to these situations when servers are shut down.

The Crew was initially released in 2014 and gained notable popularity for its expansive open-world racing mechanics. Its closure highlights ongoing discussions in the gaming community about digital rights management and the long-term playability of online games, especially as more players seek clarity on ownership in the digital age.