Ubisoft is facing increasing pressure from its shareholders regarding the consumer movement "Stop Killing Games," which arose after the publisher took The Crew offline, rendering it unplayable. This initiative, started by YouTuber Ross Scott, aims to raise awareness about the issues surrounding game accessibility and the impact of publishers shutting down online services. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has defended the company, stating that all games eventually lose support and emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of online service longevity. However, the movement demands that publishers create a transition plan allowing players to continue enjoying purchased games even after official support has ended, an area where Ubisoft has drawn criticism.
What is the Stop Killing Games movement?The Stop Killing Games movement is a consumer-driven initiative advocating for video game publishers to implement end-of-life plans for their games, allowing them to remain playable even after official support ends. The movement gained traction after Ubisoft shut down its game The Crew's servers, which made it unplayable for current owners.
The Crew is a notable open-world racing game developed by Ivory Tower and published by Ubisoft. Originally launched in 2014, it gained a sequel and received updates that expanded its gameplay features. The series has attracted a vast player base, clocking over 30 million players. However, the ongoing debate surrounding game preservation raises questions about digital ownership and player rights in the gaming industry.
Samira Khan
Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.
Read more articles from Samira Khan
Comments
It’s frustrating to see publishers treat games like disposable services instead of lasting experiences—players deserve better than having their purchases vanish overnight. Hopefully, this movement sparks some real change, because the current approach just feels anti-consumer.
It’s wild how we’ve reached a point where buying a game doesn’t even guarantee you’ll get to keep playing it—feels like we’re renting nostalgia at this point. Props to Ross Scott for pushing back, but it’s gonna take more than a movement to shift the industry’s always-online mindset.