Ubisoft to Cancel 'Unused' Accounts, Block Access to Purchased Games: Why?

John Lopez, Tech Times 23 July 2023, 08:07 am

Ubisoft, the renowned video game publisher, has decided to cancel "unused" Ubisoft Accounts, disabling users' access to their hard-earned purchased games.

This move has sparked heated debates about data protection, digital rights management (DRM), and the reliability of preserving digital games in the modern gaming ecosystem.

A Closer Look

VGC reports that the alarming revelation came to light when a Twitter user shared an email from Ubisoft warning them about the imminent suspension of their account.

The email contained a crucial link that, if not clicked, would lead to the inaccessibility of the user's account and all associated game purchases after a certain period.

Ubisoft's support Twitter account replied to the tweet, advising users to log into their accounts within 30 days of receiving the email and click the "Cancel Account Closure" link to avoid the impending consequences.

Reason Behind the Drastic Move

Ubisoft has upheld its actions, citing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as the driving force behind this measure.

The company claims that it is required to close inactive accounts to comply with local data protection legislation.

However, this policy seems to contradict the company's earlier stance, which assured users that accounts with purchases attached would not be deleted for four years.

The perplexing email from Ubisoft further accentuates the issues surrounding DRM and the fragility of digital game ownership.

Video Games Going 'Endangered'

In a digital ecosystem, the power lies solely with the company, giving them the discretion to terminate an account without providing robust recourse to the affected users.

Even the possession of purchased digital games within an account does not guarantee their preservation, as accounts can be swiftly closed, leaving gamers in the lurch.

Ubisoft's decision has far-reaching implications, especially for players who have invested significant amounts of money in their game libraries.

It also raises concerns about the long-term preservation of digital games, with the Video Game History Foundation revealing that a staggering 87% of classic video games released in the United States are deemed "critically endangered."

A closer look at other major gaming companies' GDPR statements reveals interesting insights. NME reports that Blizzard, Steam, and GOG, for instance, do not delete accounts with purchases attached, providing a stark contrast to Ubisoft's approach.

Epic Games may rename inactive accounts but does not delete them, while Microsoft reserves the right to delete Minecraft Realms accounts after 18 months of inactivity and lack of payment. Riot Games might also delete Valorant accounts after a "prolonged period" of inactivity, although no specific time frame is given.

The ongoing debate around Ubisoft's decision highlights the need for better clarity and transparency in gaming companies' account policies.

Players seek assurances about the longevity of their purchases and the security of their accounts, especially in a world where digital gaming dominates the landscape.

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