Ubisoft recently made the shocking decision to not only shut down the servers for The Crew but also to remove the game from owners’ libraries and revoke their user license. This move came after the game was delisted from digital storefronts in December and the announcement that servers would be permanently shut down on March 31, 2024. Due to the game’s always-online nature, both multiplayer and single-player content became inaccessible after the server shutdown, leaving fans disappointed.
Players were further surprised when they discovered that Ubisoft had started revoking owners’ licenses, making it impossible to download or install The Crew. The game was moved out of their Ubisoft Connect libraries and placed in an “inactive games” section, with a message stating that they no longer have access to the game. This led to backlash from the gaming community, with many criticizing Ubisoft for such a drastic move and calling for a change in the way digital ownership is handled. Stop Killing Games, an initiative launched in response to situations like this, aims to challenge the trend of purchased games becoming unplayable.
Despite the negative response, Ubisoft defended its decision, citing server infrastructure and licensing constraints as the reasons behind the actions taken. This move has reignited the discussion about the volatile nature of digital ownership and the importance of preserving access to purchased games. The situation with The Crew serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between gamers, publishers, and digital platforms in the ever-evolving landscape of video game ownership.