During a recent shareholder meeting, Ubisoft was confronted regarding its position on the Stop Killing Games movement, a growing petition advocating for regulatory changes to protect video games from becoming inaccessible after support has ended. This movement seeks to challenge lawmakers to implement legislation that prevents publishers from "destroying" video games that have already been sold to consumers.
The petition gained momentum following the controversial shutdown of Ubisoft’s The Crew last year, which ignited significant backlash from players. Many fans expressed their frustration, leading to legal action against the company. In response to the outcry, Ubisoft announced plans to introduce offline modes for both The Crew 2 and The Crew: Motorfest, aiming to address player concerns about game preservation.
At the annual meeting, highlighted by Game File, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot faced a pointed inquiry from an “aggressive questioner” about the company’s long-term plans for game preservation in light of the Stop Killing Games movement. Guillemot emphasized the company’s commitment to providing extensive support for its games, stating, “Whenever we release a game, we provide a lot of support for that game. We also provide a lot of services to ensure that the game is accessible and remains playable 24/7.”
Guillemot further explained that Ubisoft aims to keep players informed about the longevity of its games. “We provide information regarding the game and how long the game can be played. Players and buyers are forewarned that eventually the game may be discontinued,” he noted. This transparency is part of Ubisoft’s approach to manage player expectations and maintain trust.
In an effort to address ongoing concerns, Guillemot highlighted a promotional campaign launched in September 2024, which offered The Crew’s sequel for just €1/$1 across various online platforms. He reiterated Ubisoft's commitment to making the game available offline in the future, stating, “So this is an issue that we’ve been dealing with.”
Guillemot acknowledged that the challenge of game preservation is not unique to Ubisoft but is a widespread issue faced by all video game publishers. He remarked, “You provide a service, but nothing is written in stone, and at some point, the service may be discontinued. Nothing is eternal.” This sentiment reflects the reality that support for games cannot last indefinitely, as software often becomes obsolete over time.
In closing, Guillemot assured shareholders that Ubisoft is actively working on solutions to minimize the impact of service discontinuation on players. “The lifespan of a piece of software, whenever there’s a service component, eventually services may be discontinued,” he explained. “That’s something the industry at large is working on to ensure a better experience for all players.”
As the conversation around game preservation continues to evolve, the Stop Killing Games movement emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks that protect consumers and their digital purchases in an ever-changing gaming landscape.
