Ubisoft faces legal action over The Crew in France

Ubisoft is facing a major legal battle in France concerning the 2014 racing game, The Crew.

orgUbisoft

locationFrance

techThe Crew

In March 2026, the consumer group UFC-Que Choisir filed a lawsuit against the publisher, alleging that they misled players about their ownership rights.

orgUFC-Que Choisir

conceptownership

After Ubisoft shut down the game's servers in 2024, the title became completely unplayable, even for those who had purchased physical copies.

orgUbisoft

The legal challenge is supported by the Stop Killing Games campaign, which fights against the destruction of digital software.

otherStop Killing Games

techdigital software

The core of the dispute lies in whether a game purchase constitutes true ownership or simply a limited license that a company can terminate at any time.

conceptownership

While Ubisoft argues that their terms of service allow for this, the French lawsuit seeks to set a legal precedent that protects consumer rights.

orgUbisoft

conceptconsumer rights

This case could force the entire gaming industry to adopt better preservation practices, ensuring that purchased games remain accessible even after official support ends.

orggaming industry

Already, the public outcry has prompted Ubisoft to add offline modes to newer titles in the series, proving that consumer advocacy is reshaping how companies handle the lifecycle of digital products.

orgUbisoft

techoffline mode

🎉

End of article

You read 8 focus sentences.

Challenge Mode

Comprehension Questions

Why did UFC-Que Choisir file a lawsuit against Ubisoft?

Because the company increased the price of their games.

Because they were unhappy with the game's graphics.

They allege that Ubisoft misled consumers about ownership rights after shutting down The Crew.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

They allege that Ubisoft misled consumers about ownership rights after shutting down The Crew.

What is the primary argument used by Ubisoft regarding digital purchases?

That customers purchase a limited license to access the game, not permanent ownership.

That players are renting the game for a fixed period.

That players own the game code entirely.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

That customers purchase a limited license to access the game, not permanent ownership.

What was the result of Ubisoft shutting down the servers for The Crew?

The game became unplayable, and licenses were revoked without offering refunds.

The game received a free graphical update.

The game was moved to a different online platform.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

The game became unplayable, and licenses were revoked without offering refunds.

What is the main goal of the Stop Killing Games campaign?

To ensure publishers cannot unilaterally destroy games users have purchased.

To increase the number of online-only games released.

To stop all game development in France.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

To ensure publishers cannot unilaterally destroy games users have purchased.

How has the controversy affected other games in the series?

The prices of the games were reduced by half.

They were also shut down immediately.

Ubisoft added offline modes to The Crew 2 and The Crew Motorfest.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Ubisoft added offline modes to The Crew 2 and The Crew Motorfest.

Learn faster with Ringoo apps

Trace your learning progress and get real-time feedback with interactive exercises.

App Store Google Play