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SGEconomy5 days ago

EU rules out mandate to keep video games playable, seeks voluntary code

The European Commission has ruled out mandating that video games remain playable after they are removed from sale, citing intellectual property laws as a barrier. Instead, it plans to collaborate with industry stakeholders and consumer groups to develop a voluntary code of conduct for managing the 'end of life' of video games. This decision follows a lawsuit by French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir against Ubisoft over the closure of servers for its game 'The Crew', which rendered the game unplayable for users. Ubisoft argued that players purchased limited access rather than full ownership of

BRUSSELS, June 16 : The European Commission said on Tuesday it cannot require video games to remain playable after they are withdrawn from sale, but will work with industry and consumer groups on a voluntary code of conduct for managing games' "end of life".

French consumer group 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 launched after the controversy.

Ubisoft said players bought limited access, not full ownership. UFC-Que Choisir alleges the company misled consumers about how long the game would remain available and imposed unfair contract terms stripping players of ownership rights.

The Commission said copyright and other intellectual property rules prevent it from imposing an obligation to keep games playable. It added it would work with consumer organisations and authorities to raise awareness of existing rights.

"Active enforcement of these existing consumer rights can also incentivise the providers to offer video games with longer lifespans and explore solutions for meeting consumer expectations," the Commission said in a statement.

UFC-Que Choisir and Stop Killing Games did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Read the full article at Channel NewsAsia (CNA) →
Source document: European Commission Statement

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Channel NewsAsia (CNA)Party-alignedCenter5 days ago
EU rules out mandate to keep video games playable, seeks voluntary code

The European Commission has ruled out mandating that video games remain playable after they are removed from sale, citing intellectual property laws as a barrier. Instead, it plans to collaborate with industry stakeholders and consumer groups to develop a voluntary code of conduct for managing the 'end of life' of video games. This decision follows a lawsuit by French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir against Ubisoft over the closure of servers for its game 'The Crew', which rendered the game unplayable for users. Ubisoft argued that players purchased limited access rather than full ownership of

Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the European Commission's stance, the legal arguments from both Ubisoft and UFC-Que Choisir, and mentions the planned voluntary code of conduct. There is no clear ideological framing or biased language.

Official sources cited

  • government European Commission Statement
  • organisation UFC-Que Choisir Lawsuit Against Ubisoft

Go to the primary sources (2)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

  • governmentEuropean Commission Statement
  • organisationUFC-Que Choisir Lawsuit Against Ubisoft