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Ubisoft Lawsuit Raises Questions About Digital Game Ownership

Ubisoft is facing a class-action lawsuit after shutting down servers for its 2014 online racing game, The Crew, making the game completely unplayable—even for those who purchased it. The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of California by plaintiffs Matthew Cassell and Alan Liu, argues that Ubisoft misled customers into thinking they were buying a permanent copy of the game, when in reality, they were only licensing access to it.

The plaintiffs claim this shutdown violates California’s consumer protection laws, including the False Advertising Law and the Consumer Legal Remedies Act. They argue Ubisoft gave buyers the impression of full ownership, especially when some digital activation codes appeared to expire in 2099. The suit also alleges fraud and breach of warranty.

Ubisoft counters that users agreed to a license, not ownership, and the terms clearly allowed Ubisoft to disable online services with prior notice. Still, the case raises critical questions about consumer rights in the age of digital media—particularly whether companies can revoke access to products after purchase.

The outcome could shape future policies around digital ownership, transparency in user agreements, and how online-dependent games are sold. As the industry shifts further into digital distribution, this lawsuit could set a major precedent.

Source: IGN

Emre Parlak

Emre Parlak, Lead Editor & Narrative Specialist Emre Parlak is the editorial heart of the DazePuzzle Game Hub, ensuring every article meets our highest standards of quality, clarity, and insight. With a unique academic background in English Literature, he views video games as the next great frontier of storytelling. He believes that the best games leave a lasting impact long after the credits roll, and his goal is to help players appreciate the artistry and see the deeper layers behind the games they love. As our Lead Editor, Emre brings a meticulous, critical eye to every piece of content. His passion lies in deconstructing rich lore, complex character development, and the subtle narrative techniques that define modern gaming. He not only crafts compelling analyses himself but also mentors our team of authors, ensuring every guide and review is accurate, well-written, and worthy of our discerning audience. His areas of expertise include breaking down the latest gaming news, providing in-depth reviews with a focus on narrative, and crafting comprehensive guides for story-driven masterpieces like The Witcher and Red Dead Redemption 2.

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