Ubisoft, the developer of the popular Assassin’s Creed series, is facing legal backlash over its decision to take The Crew offline, with two California-based players accusing the company of deceptive practices and consumer law violations. This lawsuit marks the second time Ubisoft has been taken to court by its own players in 2024, as gaming communities push back against the trend of games going offline after purchase.
Key Points:
• Players Claim Ubisoft Misled Consumers: California players Matt Cassell and Alan Liu have filed a lawsuit against Ubisoft, alleging that the company misrepresented The Crew as a game that players could own and access offline. Both purchased The Crew years after its release, only for Ubisoft to announce its shutdown in March 2024.
• Violation of California Law: The suit argues that Ubisoft violated California consumer protection laws by failing to disclose that players were essentially renting, not owning, a license to the game—a distinction that California has recently highlighted in consumer digital goods protections.
• Precedent of Online Game Shutdowns: This lawsuit sheds light on a growing trend of online games shutting down after years or even just weeks of service, often leaving players unable to access purchased content. In California, new regulations require companies to disclose that online games may be shut down and are subject to licensing limitations, not ownership rights.
Background of the Lawsuit
Cassell and Liu, who bought The Crew in 2020 and 2018 respectively, claim they were misled about the game’s functionality, expecting it to be playable offline and accessible indefinitely. Ubisoft cited “server infrastructure and licensing restraints” as reasons for the shutdown. However, plaintiffs argue that had they known Ubisoft could pull the plug on The Crew anytime, they “would have paid substantially less for the product or not have purchased it at all.”
The lawsuit also accuses Ubisoft of “duping” players into believing they were purchasing a complete product rather than a limited license. “Through their conduct, [Ubisoft] have violated California state consumer protection laws,” the complaint states. Cassell and Liu are seeking monetary relief and damages on behalf of themselves and other players who were affected by the shutdown.
A Growing Issue in the Gaming Industry
The shutdown of The Crew is part of a larger trend as online games face sunset announcements in increasing numbers. This legal dispute could signal a shift in the industry, as more players push for transparency and accountability from game developers.
To address the backlash, Ubisoft has since promised an offline mode for The Crew 2 and The Crew Motorsport, reflecting a shift in their approach to long-term accessibility.
Ubisoft Faces Lawsuit Over The Crew Shutdown, Accused of ‘Duping’ Players with Misleading Claims
