According to HotHardware, the Stop Killing Games movement has gained serious momentum with over a million signatures from EU citizens on its petition after Ubisoft shut down The Crew. The UK officially brought the matter to Parliament for debate, where Sport Minister Stephanie Peacock stated the government has no plans to change current policies. She argued that requiring companies to retool online-only games for offline play would be too burdensome and that handing games over to fans has pitfalls. However, multiple MPs including Labour’s Mark Sewards and Warinder Juss pushed back, arguing publishers should ensure purchased games remain playable and comparing the situation to other consumer products. South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough also emphasized game preservation for cultural history, creating a lively debate despite the government’s unchanged position.
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The Real Problem Here
Here’s the thing – this isn’t really about The Crew specifically. It’s about the fundamental shift in what “buying a game” actually means anymore. When you purchase a purely online game, you’re basically renting access to servers that could disappear at any moment. And companies have been pretty clear about this in their terms of service for years.
But let’s be honest – how many people actually read those EULAs? You click “I agree” and move on. So when a game you paid $60 for suddenly becomes a useless icon on your desktop, it feels like theft. Even if technically, legally, it isn’t.
Why This Is So Complicated
The technical challenges here are massive. Converting an always-online game to work offline isn’t just flipping a switch. You’re talking about rearchitecting entire backend systems, removing dependency on central servers, and creating local alternatives for matchmaking, progression tracking, and anti-cheat systems.
And then there’s the content issue. Many live-service games use licensed music, branded content, or third-party assets that have expiration dates. Making those permanently available could create legal nightmares. Still, is that really our problem as consumers? We paid for the complete experience.
Where This Could Actually Go
Despite the government’s current stance, getting this debate into Parliament is huge. It means the issue is now officially on the radar. We’ve seen this pattern before with other digital rights issues – it starts with awareness, then debate, then eventually policy changes.
The official petition crossing signature thresholds forced this discussion, and that’s a win in itself. What’s interesting is how MPs framed their arguments around consumer protection rather than just gaming specifically. Comparing it to phones or other electronics not working anymore? That’s smart politics – it makes the issue relatable beyond the gaming bubble.
I suspect we’ll see more pressure on companies to be clearer about game longevity upfront. Maybe even some movement toward requiring offline modes or preservation plans for culturally significant titles. The door isn’t closed – it’s just been cracked open.
