The closure of The Crew, Ubisoft’s 2014 racing game, on March 31st has left many players disappointed and frustrated. The game, which relied on online servers to operate, now presents an error message upon launching due to the servers being offline. Ubisoft has taken the drastic step of not only shutting down the servers but also revoking licenses from purchasers and removing the game from their libraries.
Players have reported that The Crew has been moved to an ‘Inactive Games’ section in their Ubisoft Connect libraries, where it can no longer be downloaded or installed. Clicking on the entry now results in a message stating, “You no longer have access to this game. Why not check the Store to pursue your adventures?” This move raises concerns about the loss of ownership rights for players who have paid for the game.
In response to inquiries about the game’s closure, Ubisoft pointed back to their earlier announcement, citing server infrastructure and licensing constraints as reasons for decommissioning The Crew. While the decision may have been necessary from a logistical standpoint, players are understandably disappointed by the sudden removal of a game they have invested time and money into.
Despite the servers being offline and the game being unplayable for everyone, there had been some hope within the community that fan servers could be launched to revive The Crew. However, with the game’s removal from player libraries, this possibility seems less likely. The loss of ownership rights over digital products has sparked discussions about player rights and the need for regulation in the gaming industry.
In response to The Crew’s closure, YouTuber Ross Scott has launched Stop Killing Games, an initiative aimed at advocating for player rights and pressuring governments and regulators to change or assert ownership rights over digital products. This grassroots movement highlights the growing concern among players about the vulnerability of digital content and the need for greater protection.
Overall, the closure of The Crew serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of digital ownership and the impact of server shutdowns on players. It raises important questions about ownership rights, game preservation, and the role of developers and publishers in maintaining a sustainable gaming ecosystem. As players continue to grapple with the loss of a beloved game, the industry must address these issues to ensure a more equitable and transparent relationship between players and game creators.
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