EU rules out mandate to keep video games playable, seeks voluntary code

Key Points:

• The European Commission announced it cannot mandate that video games remain playable after being withdrawn from sale but will collaborate with industry and consumer groups on a voluntary code of conduct for managing games' "end of life."
• This follows a lawsuit by French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir against Ubisoft, after the company shut down servers for its online game "The Crew," rendering it permanently unplayable for buyers.
• Ubisoft argued that players purchased limited access rather than full ownership, while UFC-Que Choisir claims the company misled consumers about game availability duration and imposed unfair contract terms.
• The Commission cited copyright and intellectual property laws as barriers to imposing obligations for game playability but emphasized working to raise awareness of existing consumer rights.
• The Commission believes active enforcement of current consumer rights could encourage providers to offer games with longer lifespans and better meet consumer expectations.