The European Commission will not require video games to remain playable after withdrawal from sale, but seeks a voluntary code of conduct.
Key facts
- •The European Commission will not require video games to remain playable after withdrawal from sale.
- •A voluntary code of conduct for managing games' 'end of life' will be developed with industry and consumer groups.
- •UFC-Que Choisir sued Ubisoft over the shutdown of 'The Crew' game servers.
- •Ubisoft claims players bought limited access, not full ownership of the game.
The European Commission stated it cannot require video games to remain playable after they are withdrawn from sale. The Commission will work with industry and consumer groups on a voluntary code of conduct for managing games' 'end of life'. This decision comes after a lawsuit by French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir against Ubisoft.
Background of the Case
UFC-Que Choisir sued Ubisoft in March after the video game maker shut down servers for its online racing game 'The Crew', making it permanently unplayable for buyers. The case is backed by the 'Stop Killing Games' campaign. Ubisoft stated that players bought limited access, not full ownership, while UFC-Que Choisir alleged the company misled consumers about the game's availability and imposed unfair contract terms.
Commission's Decision
The European Commission said copyright and other intellectual property rules prevent it from imposing an obligation to keep games playable. The Commission will work with consumer organisations and authorities to raise awareness of existing rights. It believes active enforcement of these rights can incentivise providers to offer video games with longer lifespans and explore solutions for meeting consumer expectations.
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Channel NewsAsia.
