Ubisoft’s legal team recently addressed claims made by gamers, asserting that there’s no inherent expectation for players to own a game after purchase. This stance emerged during a bid to dismiss a class-action lawsuit in California, brought against the French publishing giant following its decision to shut down “The Crew” in 2024. Released a decade earlier, the game was designed with a mandatory online connection, rendering it unplayable after being taken offline.
In their legal defense, Ubisoft’s representatives argued that the plaintiffs were unhappy about the game’s closure, despite having been informed of such a possibility on the product’s packaging. The lawsuit includes allegations ranging from violations of California’s False Advertising Law, Unfair Competition Law, and Consumer Legal Remedies Act, to accusations of common law fraud and breaches of warranty. These claims were labeled a “kitchen sink approach” by Ubisoft’s lawyers, who referenced Polygon’s reporting on the case.
Furthermore, the plaintiffs have adjusted their complaint, highlighting that players were left with unused in-game currency when “The Crew” was shut down. They argue this might contravene state regulations that ensure gift cards remain valid indefinitely. Whether this law extends to in-game currencies remains to be deliberated.
