Ubisoft Legal Team Declares Players Never Owned The Crew

Ubisoft’s legal team has recently clarified their stance on game ownership, suggesting that purchasing a game doesn’t necessarily mean the buyer owns it. This clarification comes amidst a legal battle in California where gamers are challenging Ubisoft’s decision to shut down “The Crew,” a game they released a decade ago, making it unplayable since it’s entirely reliant on online connectivity.

When Ubisoft pulled the plug on the game in 2024, it triggered frustration among its player base. Many gamers expressed irritation over the shutdown, leading to a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of deceptive practices. According to Ubisoft’s lawyers, the gamers accuse the company of breaking several laws, including California’s False Advertising Law, Unfair Competition Law, and the Consumer Legal Remedies Act. Moreover, they claim that Ubisoft engaged in common law fraud and breached warranty agreements.

As covered by Polygon, the plaintiffs initially laid out these accusations but have since revised their complaint. They now argue that when Ubisoft terminated the game, some players were left with unused in-game currency. The plaintiffs suggest that this virtual currency should be treated like gift cards, which must remain valid indefinitely under state law. This argument hinges on the court’s interpretation of in-game currency as equivalent to traditional gift cards, which adds a unique twist to the ongoing dispute.