Lawyers representing the French publishing powerhouse Ubisoft have articulated a compelling argument in response to a class action lawsuit initiated by gamers in California. In a motion to dismiss the case, the legal team contends that there is no inherent expectation for players to possess ownership of a game post-purchase. This assertion comes in light of consumer dissatisfaction following the company’s decision to retire the online game, The Crew, which was taken offline in 2024, a decade after its debut.
Legal Arguments and Consumer Frustrations
Ubisoft’s legal representatives highlighted that the game’s closure was communicated through a notice period specified on the product packaging. They noted that the plaintiffs, expressing their frustration, have adopted a broad approach in their claims, which encompass eight distinct allegations. These include potential violations of California’s False Advertising Law, Unfair Competition Law, and the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, alongside accusations of common law fraud and breach of warranty.
As the situation has evolved, the plaintiffs have submitted an amended complaint. This latest iteration introduces a new angle, asserting that the presence of unspent in-game currency at the time of The Crew’s shutdown could indicate a violation of state law. Specifically, they argue that this law mandates gift cards to retain validity indefinitely, raising the question of whether in-game currency falls under this definition.
The unfolding legal drama illustrates the complexities of digital ownership and consumer rights in an era where online connectivity is paramount to gameplay. As the case progresses, it will be intriguing to see how these legal interpretations evolve and what implications they may hold for the gaming industry at large.
