The UK government’s response to a petition regarding the need for video game companies to keep their games playable even after support has ended sheds light on the current regulations and industry practices. The closure of the ten-year-old Ubisoft racing game, The Crew, due to server shutdown has prompted concerns among gamers regarding the longevity of their favorite titles. While there is no legal requirement for companies to support older versions of their games, they must comply with consumer laws such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
According to the government’s response, video game sellers must ensure that their products are of satisfactory quality, fit for their intended purpose, and as described. This means that if a game is advertised as playable indefinitely, then it must remain technically feasible to play even after online support has ended. However, it is important to note that no video game is explicitly marketed as being playable forever, as the costs of maintaining servers and software make this unrealistic.
Implications of the Government Response
The closure of The Crew’s servers and the subsequent unplayability of the game have raised questions about the responsibilities of game developers and the expectations of consumers. While it may be disappointing for players to lose access to a beloved title, it is not feasible to expect games to be supported indefinitely. The government’s response provides information on how consumers can address concerns about breaches of consumer laws, but ultimately, the decision to keep a game running lies with the company.
While the petition calls for government intervention to ensure the ongoing support of video games, it may not be the most practical solution. Instead of relying on legislative measures, players can advocate for better practices within the industry. Platforms like GOG.com, where gamers can vote on which games they would like to see available, offer a more direct way to influence the availability of older titles. By engaging with developers and publishers through platforms like GOG.com, players can have a greater impact on the preservation of video games.
The UK government’s response to the petition regarding video game support highlights the importance of consumer protection laws and industry practices. While the closure of The Crew’s servers was disappointing for many players, it is essential to understand the challenges faced by developers in maintaining older titles. Rather than relying on government intervention, gamers can advocate for better industry practices through platforms like GOG.com. By working together, players and developers can ensure the longevity of beloved titles without the need for legislative mandates.
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