Ubisoft faces backlash over closing inactive accounts, resulting in loss of game libraries
The decision has drawn comparisons to other platforms that have implemented more lenient policies for inactive accounts, with some players arguing that Ubisoft should consider alternative measures like allowing players to reactivate their accounts or providing an offline mode for their games.
The Ubisoft controversy serves as a reminder to be careful and consider the potential risks of relying solely on digital purchases. The move has ignited a debate around the rights of gamers and the impact of account inactivity on digital game ownership.
Ubisoft’s decision has drawn ire from players who have lost access to their entire game libraries due to inactivity. While the company has not responded to the backlash, some players have pointed out that the company’s account deletion policy is outlined in the Ubisoft Terms of Use and in the FAQ. However, critics argue that the lack of prior warning and an opportunity for players to retrieve their purchases serves as a failure on the part of the game company.
“I don’t know what to say, how to react. I’m completely speechless,” one player writes on Reddit. “I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on Ubisoft games over the years and this is how they treat their customers.”
“This is a pretty brutal way to handle this,” another user writes. “Imagine if Steam just arbitrarily decided to remove your library and you couldn’t do anything about it. Imagine if PSN or Xbox Live did this.”
The incident has drawn comparisons to other platforms that have implemented more lenient policies for inactive accounts. For example, Microsoft allows players to reactivate their inactive accounts up to 12 months after closure, while Steam allows users to retain access to their game libraries for up to 3 years after the last login.
“They shouldn’t just close your accounts,” one user writes. “They should have a way to reactivate them.”
“If there was an offline mode for these games, then it wouldn’t matter if they closed them,” another user writes.
The controversy highlights the growing importance of digital ownership rights in the gaming industry. While the incident may be specific to Ubisoft, it serves as a cautionary tale for both gamers and game companies alike, emphasizing the importance of considering the implications of account management decisions on players’ experiences.
Some users have also expressed concern that Ubisoft’s decision sets a precedent that may be adopted by other game companies in the future.
“This is a slippery slope,” one user writes. “What’s to stop other companies from doing this?”
While the company has yet to respond to the backlash, it remains to be seen how Ubisoft will address the concerns of its players and whether any changes will be made to their account deletion policy.
This controversy adds to the list of recent controversies surrounding Ubisoft, including allegations of a toxic work culture and the decision to remove AltspaceVR support from its VR games. Given that the company’s reputation among gamers may be further impacted by this latest incident, we will be sure to keep you updated on any developments.
Featured image via Flickr / Tom Wren (CC BY 2.0)
