In a recent shareholders meeting, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot responded to inquiries about the ‘Stop Killing Games’ movement, shedding light on the company’s stance on the issue. The movement, spearheaded by YouTube host Ross Scott, aims to challenge the practice of publishers shutting down online games after the cessation of official support, citing ethical and legal concerns.
Guillemot acknowledged the concerns raised by the movement, particularly in light of Ubisoft’s decision to sunset ‘The Crew’ last year, which led to a lawsuit against the company. During the meeting, he emphasized that while games are not meant to last forever, the industry is actively working to minimize the impact on players when services are discontinued. Guillemot stated, “You provide a service, but nothing is written in stone, and at some point, the service may be discontinued. Nothing is eternal.”
The ‘Stop Killing Games’ movement gained traction, with a petition to the EU amassing 1.4 million signatures, prompting discussions among EU politicians and industry trade bodies. Despite some skepticism about potential signature spoofing, the movement has garnered support from various stakeholders, highlighting the growing concern over the fate of online games post-support.
Interestingly, amidst the discussions on the ‘Stop Killing Games’ movement, Guillemot casually mentioned a new Ghost Recon game in development, adding a surprising twist to the corporate dialogue. This announcement not only diverted attention but also hinted at Ubisoft’s commitment to ongoing game development despite the challenges posed by the movement.
Public reactions on social media platforms like Mastodon have been mixed, with some users expressing support for the movement’s objectives, while others question the feasibility of keeping older games alive indefinitely. The ethical implications of publishers’ decisions to sunset games have sparked debates within the gaming community, underscoring the need for a balance between consumer rights and industry sustainability.
As the gaming industry grapples with evolving player expectations and ethical considerations, Ubisoft’s response to the ‘Stop Killing Games’ movement serves as a crucial point of reflection for developers and publishers. The intersection of business practices, player advocacy, and game longevity raises pertinent questions about the future of online gaming and the responsibilities of key industry stakeholders.
#Ubisoft #StopKillingGames #GhostRecon #NexSouk #AIForGood #EthicalAI
References:
– [GamesIndustry.biz – “Nothing is written in stone.” Ubisoft head responds to Stop Killing Games petition](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nothing-is-written-in-stone-ubisoft-head-responds-to-stop-killing-games-petition)
– [Rock Paper Shotgun – “Ubisoft CEO responds to Stop Killing Games, and casually mentions a new Ghost Recon game’s coming”](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/ubisoft-ceo-responds-to-stop-killing-games-and-casually-mentions-a-new-ghost-recon-games-coming)
– [GameSpot – “Ubisoft Addresses The Stop Killing Games Movement”](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-addresses-the-stop-killing-games-movement/1100-6533318/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f)
– Social media excerpts from Mastodon.
Social Commentary influenced the creation of this article.
🔗 Share or Link to This Page
Use the link below to share or embed this post:
