Ubisoft Responds to Stop Killing Games Movement

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Ubisoft has responded to the ongoing discussion about the Stop Killing Games movement. Traditionally, owning a physical game copy meant you could play it whenever you wished for as long as desired. However, this is no longer always the case. Certain games require parts or even the entire game to be downloaded from the internet, while others eventually become unplayable over time. This can seem frustrating when the game’s disappearance doesn’t appear to have a logical reason, such as a multiplayer game where players stop playing, but the game vanishes regardless.

The “Stop Killing Games” campaign is an initiative launched in the EU, aiming to propose a law that would require video game publishers to devise a strategy for the continuation of online games post-discontinuation. For example, Ubisoft’s racing game, “The Crew,” became unplayable after the servers were turned off, even though most parts of the game can be played individually. However, it had an always-online feature that prohibited players from ever playing it again. This proposed law would encourage developers to find solutions to ensure games remain playable in some form once their servers are shut down. It wouldn’t affect multiplayer games like “Concord,” a PvP shooter that primarily relies on multiplayer interaction, but rather games that can potentially be played offline.

The creator of Minecraft, known as Notch, has expressed support for the anti-piracy campaign “Stop Killing Games”. He contends that calling it ‘pirating’ is misleading when players don’t technically own the games they play. This topic has sparked debate among gamers and now Ubisoft, a company involved in this discussion following the announcement of a new Ghost Recon game, has been questioned about it. According to reports from Game File, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot acknowledged the Stop Killing Games petition and mentioned that they make an effort to inform players when their games may no longer be supported.

Concerning the petition, our business operates within a particular market. Whenever we launch a new game, we offer extensive support for it to ensure smooth playability 24/7. This includes making the game accessible and providing necessary services. We also share details about the gameplay duration and inform players and buyers that the game may cease operation at some point in the future.

Guillemot mentioned The Crew sequel explicitly, explaining that they planned to sell it for just $1 to help alleviate the recent controversy and promised to make it playable without an internet connection in the near future.

He explained, “This problem we’ve been handling isn’t exclusive to Ubisoft. In fact, all video game publishers encounter this challenge. We offer a service, but it’s important to remember that nothing is permanent. At some stage, the service may cease. The reality is, support for games can’t last indefinitely. We’re striving to ensure the best possible experience for players and buyers, understanding that long-term support isn’t feasible for every game. This is an industry-wide issue we’re addressing to lessen the impact on gamers. Keep in mind, this is something you should consider when making your purchase decisions.

As a software enthusiast, I understand that the life of any software, especially those with service components, can be finite due to advancements in technology. Over time, services may cease, making the software obsolete. Unfortunately, many tools become outdated within 10-15 years and are no longer accessible. This is why we continuously update our software, releasing new versions such as version two and then three. However, this is a broad issue that we’re actively addressing to ensure longevity for our users.

The petition currently satisfies the required number of signatures; however, for added assurance, the cause is encouraging more backing from supporters. This includes excluding invalid signatures such as those from non-EU residents or multiple signings by the same individual. At this point, we can only watch and see how things develop.

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2025-07-21 02:39