Ubisoft reportedly revoking access to The Crew after server shutdown

Own it? Not really.

Ubisoft is reportedly revoking access to The Crew from consumers’ PC libraries following the title’s server shutdown last month.

The Crew, which is an always-online title, had its online servers shut down on 31 March 2024, making the game unplayable. Seemingly throwing salt on the wound, players are now reporting that their user licenses are being revoked.

Reports show that attempts to access The Crew on Windows PC via Ubisoft Connect will find the title in a section titled “inactive games”; a follow up message reads, “You no longer have access to this game. Why not check the Store to pursue your adventures?” Attempting to launch the game instead boots up a demo.

Over on Windows PC via Steam, users are reporting that they need to input a game key to play. Perhaps needless to say, players aren’t happy, taking to Reddit to announce their displeasure.

“With this move, Ubisoft seems to be begging for digital consumer protection legislation to be passed. In an ideal world, revoking a license like this should entitle the buyer to a refund,” wrote Sanctine. “I’m not sure why they’re even bothering with doing this. The game isn’t playable anymore, so what exactly is the harm in keeping the game available for download for those who have purchased it? Server space? Is Ubisoft really that cheap?”

“So now if the community does somehow create dummy-servers and/or find a way to make the game operable as a single-player offline game it’s literally impossible for owners of the game to download it and mod it,” added FIST0. “Great. Just a real wonderful move on Ubisoft’s part that shows how much they value both games and their customers.”

Many on Reddit pointed others to Stop Killing Games, a website that was originally created in response to Ubisoft’s planned The Crew server closure.

The Crew was first released in late 2014; its servers were shut down on 31 March 2024.