In recent times, the gaming community has been stirred by the abrupt cessation of Ubisoft’s vehicular competition, The Crew. This move has sparked an organized effort led by YouTuber Ross Scott, under the banner of the Stop Killing Games movement. With a significant following on his Accursed Farms channel, Scott has leveraged his influence to rally gaming enthusiasts worldwide against the growing trend of rendered unplayable games, particularly those acquired through purchase.
The Genesis of the Movement
The Stop Killing Games movement emerged as a response to Ubisoft’s decision to terminate The Crew, a popular game that had garnered a substantial player base over the past decade. With its origins rooted in France, Ubisoft’s homeland, the decision to discontinue the game raised questions about consumer rights and the ethical implications of rendering purchased products obsolete.
Advocacy and Activism
At the forefront of the Stop Killing Games movement is the call for action. Scott, through his platform, has urged gamers to take a stand by petitioning governmental bodies and regulatory agencies. In the United Kingdom, for instance, supporters are encouraged to endorse a petition on the government’s website, with the threshold of 100,000 endorsements triggering parliamentary deliberation. Similar avenues for advocacy exist in other nations, reflecting a global outcry against the perceived injustice.
Targeting Ubisoft and Regulatory Intervention
Central to the movement’s objectives is the pursuit of regulatory intervention, particularly through engagement with France’s Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF). By lodging grievances directly with the regulatory authority in Ubisoft’s home country, the aim is to hold the company accountable for its actions and safeguard consumer interests against perceived exploitation.
Since Ubisoft is taking down most of their articles that explain about decomissioning, here’s one of the list of all Ubisoft’s history about shutting down the games.
Allegations of Premeditated Obsolescence
The Stop Killing Games movement alleges that Ubisoft’s decision to terminate The Crew constitutes an act of premeditated obsolescence. Owners of the game are urged to assert that the company intentionally rendered the product unusable, depriving consumers of the value they expected upon purchase. Such allegations highlight broader concerns within the gaming community regarding the longevity and sustainability of digital products in an era of rapid technological advancement.
Unity in Diversity: A Unified Front Against Injustice
While the Stop Killing Games movement acknowledges the challenges inherent in its objectives, such as the bureaucratic hurdles of petitioning governmental bodies, its overarching goal is to foster awareness and catalyze collective action. By uniting gamers from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations, the movement seeks to amplify its voice and compel meaningful change within the gaming industry.
As the Stop Killing Games movement gains momentum, gamers worldwide are urged to lend their support and solidarity. Whether through signing petitions, sharing awareness campaigns, or engaging with regulatory authorities, every contribution matters in the fight against the erosion of consumer rights and the commodification of digital entertainment.
In conclusion, the Stop Killing Games movement represents a grassroots response to the challenges facing modern gamers in an era of digital consumption. By challenging the status quo and advocating for greater accountability from gaming companies, the movement seeks to uphold the principles of fairness and transparency in an industry that often prioritizes profit over consumer welfare.
Arya Kamandanu