The Issue of Video Game Obsolescence: Analyzing the UK Government’s Response

The UK government recently responded to a petition regarding the need for intervention to ensure video game companies maintain their games in a playable state even after support ends. The closure of the ten-year-old Ubisoft racing game, The Crew, prompted this petition as the game became unplayable once its servers were shut down.

According to the government’s response, there is no legal requirement for software companies to support older versions of their products. However, video game sellers must comply with consumer laws such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. These regulations ensure that digital content, like video games, is of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described by the seller.

The closure of The Crew’s servers raised concerns about forced video game obsolescence, leading to campaigns like Stop Killing Games. The government’s response addresses the current regulations and circumstances that may constitute a breach, such as misleading advertising about the longevity of a game’s playability.

While no video game guarantees indefinite playability, the closure of The Crew highlights the dissatisfaction among players when a game becomes unplayable due to external factors like server infrastructure and licensing constraints. The question of government regulation to address such issues arises, but it raises concerns about the feasibility and reasonableness of expecting games to be supported indefinitely.

Rather than relying on government intervention, exploring alternative solutions like engaging platforms such as GOG.com for support and maintenance of older games may be more practical. The low number of upvotes on GOG.com for The Crew indicates a lack of interest in preserving the game’s playability, highlighting the challenges in sustaining older games in the market.

The response from the UK government to the petition on video game obsolescence sheds light on the complexities of balancing consumer rights with industry practices. While the closure of The Crew raises concerns about the longevity of online games, seeking government regulation may not be the most effective solution. Exploring alternative avenues for support and engaging with platforms that specialize in preserving older games could provide a more sustainable approach to addressing the issue of video game obsolescence.