During Ubisoft’s recent annual shareholder meeting, CEO Yves Guillemot addressed the growing concerns surrounding the Stop Killing Games campaign, which advocates for consumer rights in the gaming industry. This initiative emerged in response to the shutdown of Ubisoft’s online racing game, The Crew, prompting discussions about the lifecycle of online games and the responsibilities of publishers.
Addressing Consumer Concerns
Guillemot acknowledged the complexities of providing ongoing support for online games, stating that it is a “far-reaching issue” that Ubisoft is actively working to address. He emphasized that while the company strives to support its games, “nothing is eternal” when it comes to video game services. This sentiment resonates with many players who feel a sense of ownership over the games they purchase, leading to questions about what that ownership truly entails.
In response to inquiries about the Stop Killing Games petition, Guillemot clarified that the campaign does not seek to demand perpetual support for games. Instead, it calls for publishers to implement end-of-life plans that would allow games to function independently after official support has ended. This approach aims to ensure that players can continue enjoying their games without relying on ongoing publisher support.
Ubisoft has indicated that it plans to incorporate such measures for The Crew 2, with Guillemot noting that the game would eventually be available for offline play. This commitment reflects the company’s awareness of the need for sustainable gaming experiences, even as the industry grapples with the realities of software obsolescence.
Guillemot further elaborated on the inevitability of service discontinuation, highlighting that as technology evolves, certain software may become outdated. “A lot of tools become obsolete 10 or 15 years down the line,” he explained, underscoring the necessity for new versions of games to keep pace with advancements in the industry.
As the Stop Killing Games campaign gains traction, recently surpassing one million signatures to qualify as an EU Citizens’ Initiative, questions have arisen regarding the authenticity of some signatures. Organizer Ross Scott has expressed concerns over potential signature spoofing, which could impact the campaign’s credibility as it moves forward to be deliberated by the European Commission.
