Ubisoft Revokes Licenses and Shuts Down Servers for The Crew, Sparking Backlash Over Disappearing Purchases
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Ubisoft deleted licenses for The Crew video game from player libraries, making the game unplayable even for those who purchased it
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The Crew was an online-only game and the servers were shut down on April 1st, meaning there was no functionality left
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Ubisoft offered refunds to recent purchasers but not to most players who owned the game long-term
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This highlights an issue with digital goods - we don't truly own them even after purchase, as terms of service allow companies to revoke access
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A Ubisoft executive said players will need to become "comfortable with not owning" games, but players don't seem happy about purchases disappearing