In late 2023, Ubisoft quietly removed The Crew, their online racing title, from all digital storefronts. By April 2024, the servers were officially shut down — making the game completely unplayable for everyone, even those who had purchased physical or digital copies.
Players weren’t just upset — they were livid. Why? Because they didn’t just lose access to a game. They lost something they paid for, without warning, and without compensation.
What Ubisoft Said — And Why It Matters
Ubisoft’s response made things worse. Through its legal defense team, Ubisoft argued that consumers shouldn’t expect full ownership of online games. According to them, buying a game (physical or digital) only grants temporary access, not a permanent product.
That didn’t sit well with gamers. Especially since the physical copy of The Crew misled buyers into thinking they owned the full game — when in reality, the disc just held an activation key that required Ubisoft’s servers to function.
It’s like buying a car and then being told you can only drive it if the dealership keeps the keys turned on.
Why Gamers Absolutely Hate This
Gamers aren’t just angry because they lost access to a game. They’re angry because Ubisoft continues to treat its player base with blatant disregard. Here’s why this fiasco poured fuel on the fire:
- It exposes a broken digital ownership system. Ubisoft set the precedent that your digital library can be taken away at any time, even if you paid full price.
- They made players believe the game would last. The game’s activation license was coded to expire in 2099 — giving the false impression of permanence.
- It’s not the first time. Ubisoft has a history of predatory monetization, microtransactions, half-baked releases, and poor communication. This was just another slap in the face.
The Crew debacle added another reason to distrust Ubisoft — a company already disliked by the gaming community for:
- Rushing unfinished games to market
- Excessive reliance on always-online DRM
- Shady monetization practices
- Alleged workplace misconduct and toxic culture
For many, this wasn’t just a bad decision. It was the final straw.
Legal Action: Gamers Fight Back
Two gamers from California decided they weren’t going to stay silent. They filed a class-action lawsuit against Ubisoft, stating they were misled into thinking they bought a full, permanent game.
Their legal team also argues that the in-game currency functions like a gift card, which (under California law) shouldn’t be allowed to expire.
Ubisoft responded by calling the lawsuit “excessive” and insisted that players should’ve known online games don’t last forever. But the players hit back, saying Ubisoft’s own license expiry date (set to 2099) shows they intended the game to be long-term.
Why This Case Matters for the Future of Gaming
This lawsuit could set a major precedent. If Ubisoft wins, game publishers may feel more confident shutting down paid games without consequence. But if the players win, it could reshape consumer rights in the digital gaming space.
This is no longer just about The Crew. It’s about whether gamers can actually own what they buy in the digital age — or if companies can continue pulling the plug without warning.
Gamers should keep a close eye on April 29th, when Ubisoft is expected to make its next move in court.
