Neil Pond
Updated on: October 10, 2024 1:42 am GMT
Ubisoft Takes Steps to Preserve The Crew Franchise with Offline Modes
Ubisoft, the French video game giant, is making significant changes to its popular racing series, The Crew, in response to mounting player discontent over server shutdowns and accessibility issues. Following the controversial closure of servers for the original game earlier this year, the publisher has announced plans to introduce offline modes for both The Crew 2 and The Crew Motorfest. This move is seen as a commitment to improve long-term access to these titles and ensure that players can continue enjoying them even after online support is phased out.
Ubisoft’s Controversial Server Shutdown
Where it all began: In December 2022, Ubisoft announced the digital delisting of The Crew from all platforms and the impending shutdown of its servers on March 31, 2023. The decision drew immediate backlash from the gaming community, as players were not only losing access to multiplayer features but, due to its always-online requirement, also losing single-player functions entirely. This led to concerns about video game preservation and ownership rights, forcing many to question the future of purchased games.
The situation escalated when Ubisoft began revoking licenses for The Crew, effectively rendering it unplayable for those who had already purchased it. The move ignited a wider conversation about the rights of consumers in a gaming landscape where online connectivity is becoming increasingly mandatory, setting the stage for the founding of the Stop Killing Games initiative.
Ubisoft’s Response to Player Concerns
Acknowledging the public outcry, Ubisoft took steps to clarify its intentions regarding future titles in the franchise. On social media, the company expressed its commitment to providing offline modes for both The Crew 2 and The Crew Motorfest. “We heard your concerns about access to The Crew games,” Ubisoft stated. It reassured players that an offline mode is in development, allowing them to continue playing regardless of server status. More details about this feature are expected in the coming months, indicating a significant shift in Ubisoft’s approach to online gaming.
The Crew Franchise’s Future
With the introduction of offline modes, both The Crew 2 and The Crew Motorfest will allow players to enjoy their content indefinitely, even after online functionalities are disabled in the future. The Crew Motorfest, launched on September 11, 2023, features a vast open-world environment and continues to receive updates, including new seasonal content.
The Crew 2 Gets a Price Cut
In conjunction with the offline mode announcement, Ubisoft has drastically reduced the price of The Crew 2. Currently available for just $1 on various digital platforms, this promotion aims to re-engage players who may have been hesitating to dive into the racing experience. The reduced price tag has sparked interest, especially considering The Crew 2 has undergone multiple updates that have improved its gameplay over the years. After its initial lukewarm reception upon launch in 2018, the game’s rating has substantially improved, and it is now viewed positively by players.
Community Responses and Industry Implications
The commitment to offline modes for The Crew series reflects the growing demand for video game preservation and access, especially as more titles navigate the tricky waters of online connectivity requirements. The Stop Killing Games initiative, spearheaded by concerned gamers, highlights the urgency of addressing these issues within the industry.
As Stop Killing Games founder Ross Scott noted, the move may also be influenced by investigations into the legality of disabling a game that was sold as a one-time purchase. This development has prompted other industry players to reconsider their own policies surrounding online gaming and permanence.
Ubisoft’s decision marks a turning point in how companies might approach the preservation of their games going forward. Given that many titles, especially in the age of downloadable content, rely heavily on servers for operation, the inclusion of offline modes could become a standard practice, helping safeguard digital purchases against future obsolescence.
Upcoming Content in The Crew Series
As it prepares for the launch of Year 2 for The Crew Motorfest on November 6, Ubisoft also shared information about new content. Players can look forward to enjoying the entire map of Maui for free, along with seasonal events and a new PvE mode called The Chase Squad. This addition promises to enhance the series’ replayability while involving players in dynamic in-game challenges.
Ultimately, as Ubisoft works to mend its relationship with players disaffected by the server shutdowns, the introduction of offline modes offers a more reassuring framework for video game accessibility. This episode serves as a reminder of the need for industry accountability, highlighting the importance of player rights in a sector heavily reliant on digital distribution and online play.
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