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Ubisoft heavily questioned on game preservation

CEO Yves Guillemot addresses the Stop Killing Games petition at a shareholder meeting.

July 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Ubisoft confronted on Stop Killing Games petition: ‘This is an issue we’ve been dealing with’

Ubisoft faces tough questions about game access and support policies.

Ubisoft responds to Stop Killing Games petition during shareholder meeting

At a recent shareholder meeting, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot addressed concerns about the Stop Killing Games petition, which calls for regulations preventing publishers from making games inaccessible after their support ends. This movement gained traction after the shutdown of The Crew, which led to player backlash and legal actions. Guillemot defended the company's approach, stating that game access is a common challenge for all publishers. He emphasized that customers are informed about potential discontinuation of service. The petition has garnered nearly 1.4 million signatures, prompting action from industry groups.

Key Takeaways

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Ubisoft faces scrutiny over game preservation policies.

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Stop Killing Games petition has gathered nearly 1.4 million signatures.

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Shutdown of The Crew ignited significant player backlash.

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Game publishers struggle to maintain service accessibility.

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Industry-wide issue of game longevity and support remains critical.

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Regulatory changes may emerge in response to player demands.

"We provide information regarding the game and how long the game can be played."

Guillemot highlights the importance of transparency with players about game longevity.

"This is an issue that we’ve been dealing with."

Guillemot acknowledges the ongoing challenge faced by all game publishers concerning service discontinuation.

"All video game publishers are faced with that issue."

This statement underscores a common struggle across the industry to keep games accessible.

"The lifespan of a piece of software may eventually lead to service discontinuation."

Guillemot addresses the need to manage player expectations about the longevity of games.

Ubisoft's response reflects a significant tension in the gaming industry, where developers balance profitability with player expectations. As games increasingly rely on online services, the risk of sudden shutdowns raises questions about consumer rights and game preservation. The legality of digital content ownership enters a gray area, compelling companies like Ubisoft to rethink their service models. Guillemot's defense may not suffice to quell rising dissatisfaction, as players demand accountability in game longevity.