Ubisoft EULA demanding consumers destroy delisted games adds fuel to Stop Killing Games movement

The Stop Killing Games campaign seeks to prevent companies from making the games consumers own unplayable. Ubisoft has been the focus of much of the criticism after it stopped supporting The Crew in 2024. The company delisted the racer from storefronts, revoked digital licenses, and closed servers. Now, gamers who more closely examined the Ubisoft EULA discovered some surprising language. The publisher actually instructs consumers to destroy their copies of a game.

Gamers may only glance at them before signing, but EULAs attempt to guard companies from potential lawsuits. They may limit the publisher's liabilities for server downtime or warn against piracy. Still, it's the last sentence in the agreement for Ubisoft games that's causing an outcry. The company states, "Upon termination for any reason, You must immediately uninstall the Product and destroy all copies of the Product in Your possession."

Consumers generally don't respond positively when told how to use their PCs or to eliminate property. The Ubisoft EULA is not unique, as other games, such as Oblivion Remastered, also require similar agreements from consumers. Even so, it's with titles that depend on online functionality that most concerns Stop Killing Games.

The movement wants publishers to keep titles functional after ending support for the software. Ubisoft games, like The Crew, tightly integrate with online services. When servers shut down, all modes become inaccessible. Some gamers have called for publishers to embrace third-party servers, which could extend the longevity of a title for years.

Despite Stop Killing Games accumulating over one million signatures, the industry is rejecting its requests. The Video Games Europe trade association represents major publishers, including Ubisoft and Microsoft. It explained that only the servers that publishers maintain can ensure gamers remain safe and minimize the risk of legal or civil action. Companies may also have to invest money to keep titles playable long after their release dates.

It's unclear if Stop Killing Games can force changes in what rights gamers have. Nevertheless, it may cause buyers to think twice before purchasing some games or signing an EULA.